A Student Mind:New Dimensions in Learning

The Menu: Tools, Techniques and Ideas

• Multi-dimensional Learning

• Study Method

• Concept-Mapping

• Phrase Reading and Exercises

• Mind-Mapping

What Dimensions do you now use to study/learn?

How do you use:

Space?

Time?

Distance?

Depth?

Color?

Feel?

The Memory Quiz

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Memory: How about this?

1029 1245 13852 653 7094

*Why did that make a difference?

Memory: Or This?

1029 1245 13852 653 7094

*Why did that make a difference, too?

Lunch in New York

Date Time Address Phone

What if you added…

ColorShape

Concept-Mapping: Visual, Spatial and Hierarchical dimensions

Theme

Main Idea Main Idea Main Idea

Support Support

SupportSupport

SupportSupport

Support

Mind-Mapping: Radiant Thinking, Color, Space and Creativity

Keys To Reading Well and Deeply

• Context ------> Without Context there is no MEANING. So the corollary: if you are confused, look for more CONTEXT!

• Exposure and Digestion --> Small meals, throughout the day. Snack when you can.

• Articulation ---> Synthesis. Unless YOU say what you know, there is no new neurological pathway to expand!

Start by PRE-READING: Your first exposure to the material

• We’re looking at and gathering information to establish an understanding of the CONTEXT

• We’re CREATING INTEREST

• We’re BUDGETING TIME (if we’re being efficient with our work..)

Next We Actively Read:And Do Our Work in Digestible Chunks

Be clear about what kinds of notes you’re taking:– Structural Notes --> show hierarchy of material

and are crucial for ‘scaffolding’ memory– Conceptual Notes --> force us to ARTICULATE

and synthesize material. Facilitated digestion.– Critical Notes --> links material to everything else

we know

Guidelines for Notes:

• The Way we REPRESENT information on the page is the Way we THINK about it.

• Your notes will be the KEYS to and MAPS of your MEMORY.

Review:Tighten your Grip on your Material --

EVERYTIME!

• Are your Concept-maps clear?• Copy/Neaten Concept Maps • Re-PRE-READ, and survey as a final

exposure • Are your notes complete? Add details

and structural clues if you need• Review Questions, etc

Mind-Mapping: Introduction to Radiant Thinking and Learning

Summary of the Mind-Map Laws:

Use EMPHASIS -->- Use a central image- Use dimension in images- Use synaesthesia (blending of senses)- Vary printing size -- make it VISUAL and SPATIAL

Use Association -->- Use arrows and notations when you want to make

connections within and across branches- Use colors and codes- Develop your own personal style

Some Example Mind-Maps:

From an 8th Grade Physics Student:

Phrase Reading:A More Efficient and Effective Way to Read

I left Will in the bedroom and stood on the verandah. The mist had thinned to show a faint, diffused cold light coming from a sky half-obscured by the grey blocks they call buildings in this city. Paul was standing a few paces off looking at me. I would rather have had him a few paces even farther away, though.

Major Reading Difficulties:

• Backtracking --> Going back over material because you missed the point the first time around

• Fixation --> Going over a word or a phrase multiple times -- while the mind is in a loop

2 Exercises to shift the HABIT of ATTENTION when you read:

• Clustering --> An eye exercise that takes about 10 minutes/day. Done with a pen and a light-reading novel.

• Reading Sprints --> A Reading Drill to be done anytime you want a turbo-boost to your reading level

The same passage, Clustered:

Clustering: Circle and Dot

Clustering: Slashes and Dots

Clustering: Just Dots

Reading Sprints: Bringing Fluency and Movement to Reading

1. Read for ____ Minutes- Count the # of pages you just read

- Note your comprehension

2. Moving on, Read for 1/2 that time- You MUST READ the SAME # of PAGES- How was your comprehension?

3. Moving on, Read for 1/4 your original time4. Moving on, Read for ____ Minutes again

- How many pages did you read THIS time?- How was your comprehension?