Education Specialist Abdulkadir Özbek talked about the effects of note-taking and studying on students’ learning and memory skills.
HOW CAN WE USE OUR RIGHT BRAIN MORE ACTIVELY?
Using the right brain less is like this: Imagine a bird has two wings, unfortunately the right wing atrophies a little in this system and then it is expected to fly. In short, the right brain is not used actively in the learning process. So, how can the right brain be used more actively? At this point, mind maps emerge as an effective technique that enables more effective use of the right brain while taking notes. Generally, left-brain notes are taken while taking notes, so what does that mean?
Notes are taken by keeping the page vertically in a logical sequence, writing the title at the top, and making item-by-item lists. Not many colored pencils are used, even the whole note is taken with a single pencil.
You get drowned in notes that last for pages. The relationships between concepts and the big picture cannot be seen. There are many disadvantages like this. In the researches, it has been determined that famous thinkers and geniuses take notes similar to mind maps.
HOW DOES NOTE-TAKING SUPPORT LEARNING?
Taking notes helps you focus your attention and avoid distractions. As you take notes in class, you exercise your mind in identifying and organizing key ideas. Instead of passively listening, active learning can be achieved while in the classroom.
- Keeping good grades means you’ll have a record to review and repeat later. Reviewing a well-organized note is more effective than reading textbooks and long notes.
Effective note-taking is important because it supports your listening efforts. It allows you to test your understanding of the subject. It helps you remember the material better when you jot down the main ideas. It gives you an idea of what the trainer thinks is important. It creates your ultimate study guide.
- Effective note-taking methods such as mind maps require active listening and thinking; simply jotting down the words the instructor said does not benefit the student.
WHAT ARE MIND MAPS AND HOW ARE THEY MADE?
Mind maps are visual representations of knowledge. They can take the form of charts, graphic organizers, tables, flowcharts, Venn charts, timelines, or T-charts. Mind maps are especially helpful for students who learn better visually, but they can also be helpful for students with other learning styles. This note-taking technique is a powerful study strategy because they help you see the big picture. Knowing the big picture also makes it easier to remember the details.
Mind maps are very useful for visual subjects or when it is important to see and understand the relationships between different things. They can also be used to analyze and compare information.
When designing a mind map, the title or topic is placed in the middle of the page held sideways rather than vertically, and then lines and new circles are added to the page for new information. Arrows and lines are used to connect information. The experience of taking notes with colored pencils becomes even more enjoyable.