Using information mapping for greater learning and problem solving

The concept of mapping information isn't new and is thought to date back to the third century, when noted thinker, Porphyry of Tyros, visually captured the thoughts of Aristotle. Since then, visual information maps have been used throughout the ages by students, individuals and businesses to brainstorm, plan, project manage, set goals and improve productivity.

"Information maps (or mind maps) look a bit like the spider diagrams everyone drew at school, but despite their simplistic nature they are a very powerful tool to help to unlock our brain's potential," explains Mindjet regional vice president for Northern Europe, Middle East and Africa, Chris Harman.

Scribbling notes is not the best way

'Taking notes and presenting information to students in traditional linear form - by scribbling down line after line - broken up only by the occasional numbered list, underlined heading or bullet points, is an inefficient way to learn because our thinking minds don't work in neat columns like this.

The fact is, diligently jotting down pages of notes in linear text constrains our creativity and allows our brains to become bored and disengaged, making retention of information more difficult. You can probably remember many lectures or meetings attended yet you can't remember even one sentence of those events because you effectively switched off as you scribbled down indecipherable and unimaginative notes."

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