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Study Guide & Strategies
Thinking like a genius
Many of us have
learned to outline information
in our studies, as:
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First item
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Second item
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sub item
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sub item
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sub sub item
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sub sub item
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Third item
Alternatives to
outlining are Mind- and Concept-Mapping.
How do I map?
First reject the idea of
an outline, or of paragraphs using sentences.
Think in terms of key words or symbols
that represent ideas and words.
You will need:
a pencil (you'll be
erasing!) and a blank (non-lined) big piece of paper
a blackboard and
(colored) chalk
"post-it" notes
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Write down
the most important word
or short
phrase
or symbol
for the center.
Think about it; circle it.
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Post other important
concepts and their words outside the circle
Edit this first
phase
Think about the relation of outside items to the center
item
Erase, edit, and/or shorten words to key ideas
Relocate important items closer to each other for better
organization
If possible, use color to organize information
Link concepts with words to clarify their relationships
Continue working
outward
Freely and quickly add other key words and ideas
(you can always erase!)
Think weird: combine concepts to expand your map or; break
boundaries
Develop in directions the topic takes you--not limited by how you
are doing the map
As you expand your map, tend to become more specific or detailed
Set the map
aside
Later, continue development and revision
Stop and think about relationships you are developing
Expand the map over time (right up to an exam if necessary!)
This map is your
personal learning document
It combines what you knew with what you are learning
and what you may need to complete your "picture"
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