Mind Maps

Cognitive charts and mind maps are translation terms for Mind Map, and they are defined as:

A strategic tool that allows the individual to efficiently encode, store and retrieve information based on graphic representation represented in graphics and graphs of all kinds.

Different forms of cognitive maps

The term first appeared on television screens in 1974 through education expert Tony Buzan, and since that time until now the scientific foundations that govern the learning process through cognitive maps have been studied by cognitive psychologists so that the results of those studies confirm the effectiveness of this method in achievement and remembering Both.

On the side of achievement, organising information in this flexible way helps the brain to assimilate it faster, especially if the shape of the map is related to the relationships of the information presented in it, such as the information being arranged in the form of an ascending longitudinal knowledge map and so on. In addition, the use of colours and shapes develops the creative ability of the individual and adds joy to the time devoted to studying. It also helps the individual to learn new relationships between things through organisation and arrangement, whatever its form. On the retrieval side, cognitive maps help the individual retrieve the largest possible amount of information due to the reliance on visual memory, previously clarifying its high capacity for storage and retrieval, so the information is encoded in the brain as independent information, as it is symbolised by its place within a scheme, which increases the proportion of retrieve it.

When learning any new material, no matter what field you are in, always make sure you are on the lookout for as many helpful media as possible related to the topic being learned. Whether images, explanatory videos, knowledge maps, documentaries and other things that greatly increase the opportunities for learning and information retention, they act as illustrative tools for the deafening information contained in the learning materials. The use of some techniques also helps in the process of coding and saving information easily, including:

1. Use singing and composing

Do you know that when the majority forget some words and are unable to remember them, they try hard to memorise those words in order to remember their sound pattern! This is because the words with melody are very fixed in the brain, so try to use singing in memorising long, deaf materials to add some fun to it.

2. Use a role-playing game

If you are interested in memorising materials that contain many people and events, such as historical materials, for example, try to divide them into roles and each person carries a role. It is a very fun way and helps break the boredom associated with studying periods.

3. Put questions

Always, after completing chapters and topics in full, put some questions that summarise the most important points you got in this part, and when starting a new part, either at the same time or at a later time, try to answer those questions at the beginning. The repetition factor is one of the most important factors that help to install information in the brain and ease its retrieval later, which is ensured by setting questions and answering them.

4. Use keywords

If you are going to memorise a lot of articles that carry many terms and definitions, put a keyword for each part, and it is preferable to specify the keywords in one context that can be arranged according to the basic arrangement of the articles so that one sentence is understandable and meaningful. It is easier to remember one sentence than a page full of definitions, and from the words of that sentence it is easier to recall the whole.

5. One Final Tip: Sharing is an Inexhaustible Treasure

“Education” is one of the most helpful ways to memorise, transferring information to others and explaining it helps the individual to memorise more of it, so try to explain and repeat the information you learned to your companions and colleagues. If you cannot share the information with others, explain the information to the inanimate objects around you; Like pens, notebooks, empty cups, or even for your pet!