Piecing information together can be an overwhelming task. Deciding on whether or not to take notes from your course material is one question. If you decide that you are going to take notes – what kind of notes? How do you organise the information so that you remember it?

There are two main reasons to start mind-mapping:

1. To transfer information into a format that you can easily understand and refer to at your convenience.
2. To allow the information you are absorbing to enter your long term memory so that you are able to recall what you have learned – for life!

Mind-mapping eliminates the need to write down every single word. This in itself will significantly reduce the amount of time you spend taking notes, revising notes, and will result in more effective learning.

Consider your first mind-map as a rough draft. As you go through your course try to identify key concepts, words and phrases. Try and use your own words and descriptions, this will make it easier for you later on. The following questions may help you decide what to take note of, or refer to the example below for items to consider when starting your mind-map.

• What is the definition?
• What is it used for?
• Is there a cause and effect?
• What does it relate to?
• What is an example?

Each week refer back to your mind-map and make adjustments. You can add new headings or key points, or re-arrange information to enhance the clarity. By referring to your mind-map each week the knowledge you are absorbing won’t be lost, it will actually begin to enter your long term memory. This is a great way to make revision quick, easy and fun!