please see also "The Mind Map Organic Study Technique" in the Feature Articles area

Some of the questions we have received so far are included here - we'll add progressively to this area whenever the pagebuilding schedule allows.

Answers to the questions can be found further down this page. If you have a question that isn't dealt with here, why not e-mail me - michael2008 (at) happychild.org.uk . Please note, however, that with an exceptionally busy schedule it isn't possible to reply to everyone who writes :)

1. What Books on Mind Mapping would you recommend?

2. Is Mind Mapping only suitable for learning?

3. I have difficulty taking notes in lectures using Mind Maps. What do you suggest?

4. What is a Mega Mind Map?

ANSWERS to above questions:

1. There are two books that I would recommend on the subject of Mind Mapping and they are both by the inventor of the Technique - Tony Buzan. The first is the book that originally introduced the concept to the world and it is called "Use Your Head". It is a BBC book ISBN 0-563-37103-x. The second is a more in-depth study of the technique and is appropriately called "The Mind Map Book". Also a BBC book, its ISBN is 0-563-37101-3. Both are available at good bookstores.

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2. The great thing about Mind Mapping is that it utilises both sides of your brain which means that you will think much more effectively. So in addition to being great for learning, if ever you have to express or arrange your thoughts on paper, then the Mind Map is the best way to do it. So it can be used for planning, your creative work, problem solving, thought organisation and many other thinking processes. Which means it is not only a wonderful educational tool, it is extremely effective as a management and personal development tool.

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3. You will find that as you make the transition from your old way of note taking to Mind Mapping, there will be a stage where it will seem too difficult. That is natural when you develop any new skill. My advice to you is to take the plunge and keep mind mapping until it clicks. That way you will develop proficiency very quickly. Now before you run off and accuse me of insensitivity, consider this. If you find the prospect of just doing it until it comes (I know it works because that is how I learnt) then what I would suggest is that you Mind Map until you think you are missing information and then revert to your old way of note taking. BUT YOU MUST MIND MAP YOUR OLD NOTE FORMAT AFTERWARDS. Gradually you will rely less and less on "conventional" note taking until you are a full time convert. Even then, compare your notes with a friend to make sure that you are getting the important information down. (Remember that you must review your Mind Maps to reinforce the information.) To practise, why not try mind mapping the news for a week or two. You will find that the information will come at a very fast pace and so by stretching yourself beyond what you would expect in class, doing this for a week will certainly develop your skill.

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4. A Mega Mind Map is a huge Mind Map (as the name implies) and is used to put the entire contents of a subject on a single piece of paper. I normally use Flip Chart Paper which is generally big enough to get the entire contents of an A Level Subject Syllabus on it. The great thing about using a Mega Mind Map is that you can get an overview of the entire subject and see the relationships between elements of the subject.

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