How Mind-Mapping Notes Encourages My Love of Learning

This year, I've found an outlet for my jumbled thoughts in note-taking. As a student, my notes are my greatest asset; they keep me involved in class and ground my study. My notes also reflect my growth; two of my 2017 resolutions, remaining organized and aiming to absorb material rather than briefly memorize and forget it, find a host in my quick jots and long branches.

I used to take my notes in a linear fashion: heading, bullet, sub-bullet, repeat. I would vary pen colors or indentations to distinguish new topics, but my format remained the same. From a grades standpoint, this traditional tactic might appear like it functioned well enough for me. The numbers stacked neatly, admittedly with some close calls and stressful stands, but I grew more bored with my classes as I drew elaborate vines in the margins of my papers, memorized information for tests the night before and immediately forgot it, and sought completion rather than new understanding.

I recognized both that I was retaining little information and that my classes would become more rigorous sophomore year. So I combined my penchant for drawing vines and amateur cursive with a reinvigorated ambition to learn (thanks to my teachers and engaging classes that year) to develop a note-taking style that keeps me involved in class and allows me to more review information: mind-mapping.

What is mind-mapping? 

For me, it's the most effective method of planning and note-taking by placing an important idea in the center of the page and writing the notes around the title, almost in a circular fashion. This provides me with an easy way to make connections between the main idea and points and even among the points.

Initially, I wrote my maps, cramped, in the edges of wide-ruled notebooks, never having enough room to fit a lesson on a page. Seeing my notebook this year, my biology teacher recommended I start taking notes in a sketchbook. Excited, I switched to paper without lines and tested my new host's boundaries.

Online, I've seen some students take their notes in linear form initially, then re-write them as a mind-map. For my schedule and studying preferences, I opt to take notes in mind-map form in class or while reading the textbook-- what I walk away with remains my prime set of notes.

Mind-mapping has also helped me outline essays and note plans for extracurricular activities. I particularly like to write out information for Model UN, debate, and musical production team.

  

I typically use cursive headings to satisfy my urge to doodle, but I'd recommend whatever style is most efficient and comfortable for you. For me, taking notes this way has become second-nature; my pencil, not always neat, communicates my thoughts. Ultimately, though, notes must please function before appearance.

And now, to review

Taking notes represents just the first step of my new review and preparation process that I feel better prepares me for future challenges. 

I take my notes in black and white, and pencil eliminates my mistakes. Color emerges in my review sessions. The first time I look over my notes outside of class, I used colored highlighters to delineate important information. 

After adding color to my notes, I make flashcard decks based on the unit. I cut my index cards in half to save space and make them more easily portable.

Some have terms on the front and definitions on the back, but others feature a picture or diagram on the front with a corresponding explanation or no words at all if the mini-map is sufficient. I am not always diligent about studying early, but I try to make my cards a couple days before the exam, so I can briefly glance at terms in advance and prevent ineffective night-before cram sessions. 

The day before the exam, or two days before if I am ahead, I draw a giant mind-map of all the material on a test to make connections and cement my understanding of the material. I try to make time to draw at least two of these maps the day before. I use my flashcards as a word bank. 

Previously, I drew these maps across several pages of notebook paper, attached together. Now, though, during a study hall or after extracurricular activities, some of my teachers (thank you!) allow me to borrow their boards for these more intensive reviews.

Sometimes, some of my peers will join me, and mind-mapping creates a challenging and interactive activity to share with friends. 

I love writing on white boards because they are literal blank slates, broad and vast and an opportunity for creativity.

I'm rather awful at drawing, so I like to think of my notes as my art. 

Each notebook page is a new canvas, waiting to be painted with connections in science and government and language.

Transitioning from linear note-taking to more broad mind-mapping allows me to learn more and thoroughly glean material, present ideas in a way that works for me, and further facilitate my love of learning.