Forums IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ PhotoReading, Memory Optimizer Mind Mapping & School

The last two days, I've started taking notes in class using mind maps on a whim, and I really like it. Initially I had thought of mind maps as a thing I would only do at home with my box of colored pencils, but I now see that it is helpful for data processing and retention during the teaching of Spanish, English, and A.P. American History.

But the problem is that I can't really use many colors in class without attracting attention to myself in a negative way. So, are mind maps without color still better than regular notes, and do you have any suggestions for inconspiciously using colors in class? I was thinking maybe of finding one of those three or four-in-one colored pens... What about erasing? After I have done a few more Mind Maps, will I naturally create logical connections on paper with less need to backtrack? I guess I haven't really let myself go with the mapping yet because I would hate to accidentally write something down inaccurately in my notes which I might later mistake for fact.

What have fellow PhotoReaders used for notes in school? Any particular tips on school, PhotoReading, and Mind Mapping that made your learning carreer easier, more fun, and more successful?

I have used mindmapping in class before, when I was first learning. I didn't follow all the guidelines though. If I had it probably would have worked a lot better.

Just recently I've gone back to Tony Buzan's The Mindmap Book. The two mindmaps that I have done since reading the book and following the mindmap laws and recommendations have been a lot better than my previous ones.

I also know that there is a chapter in The Mindmap Book that covers using mindmaps for lectures. You might like to follow the guidelines in there.

Yes, Mind-Mapping either with or without color is more beneficial than linear notetaking. Good Luck

Look around for a pen with mulitple colours in the barrel many have at least four I've come acoss some with 8. Eight colours is quite suffient 4 or five will do too. consider black, red, blue and green, the standard in pens you can add either a highlighter type for a 5 colour and you're set.

When it comes to erasing... it shouldn't really be necessary. Just draw arrows to link it to correct sections.

I find I work my mind maps in a clockwise fashion starting at 1 o'clock. From there when the topic changes to a diffent core Idea i move clockwise. I find that on a mind map about 6 main branches works really well. Then I use another sheet of paper since it can start getting crowded.

Alex

I ordered the Tony Buzan mind mapping book a few days ago, but it just shipped last night from Amazon.com, so any mapping I've done thus far has been from three books that mention mind mapping in passing (one on how to think like Leonardo Da Vinco, the PhotoReading, and the Natural Brilliance book). In addition, I checked out the website AlexK posted a few days ago, and although it is helpfuil, it is certainly not all-encompassing. The multi-colored pen is definitely what I need to get, especially for more complex topics like American History, where using only two colors starts making everything look very confusing. I've got to make a trip to my local Pearl...

During lectures I have a 4 color pen and 6 markers with me. I suggest you buy markers they are cheap - crayola.

Usually I come to lectures with my mind maps already drawn and just add additional information during the lecture.

Nowadays I sometimes do not even take markers with me, I use a 4 color pen - mainly blue color and draw a sketch of all the information that I have received during the lecture. Later at home I make connections with markers, draw pictures and associations. Thereby reviewing the material. During your lecture it is important to listen and understand what the speaker is saying instead of writing what you heart without being aware of what this information is about and how it is relevant to you.

As for style - I use clockwise, but in such a way that I can see everything I need without turning the page around. Look at some of my scanned mind maps on this forum.