A Student Mind:
New Dimensions in Learning
The Menu: Tools, Techniques
and Ideas
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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
10291245138526537094
Memory: How about this?
1029
1245
13852
*Why did that make a difference?
653 7094
Memory: Or This?
Lunch in New York
Date
Time
Address
Phone
1029
1245
13852
653 7094
*Why did that make a difference, too?
What if you added…
Color
Shape
Concept-Mapping: Visual, Spatial and
Hierarchical dimensions
Theme
Main Idea
Support
Main Idea
Main Idea
Support
Support
Support
Support
Support
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 time
4. Moving on, Read for ____ Minutes again
- How many pages did you read THIS time?
- How was your comprehension?