The amount of information in the modern world is constantly growing, but the methods of handling it remain the same and are already ineffective. What was adequate for use by our ancestors, modern people will not help to cope with the available volumes and intensity of information flows.
The use of diagrams, lists, tables, and texts has several drawbacks, although it has been tested over time. Firstly, if the amount of information is large, then recording, remembering, and then reproducing it becomes quite difficult. Secondly, the process of highlighting key ideas is difficult. Thirdly, time is used in this case irrationally. Well, and, fourthly, the presented methods limit the application of a creative approach and the generation of new ideas in solving a problem. Therefore, the modern scientific world speaks of such a method as a
mental map. Examples and stages of its construction will be discussed below.
A new method of assimilation of information
An innovative method of processing and assimilation of information is considered to be the method of mental cards, invented by Tonnie Buchan. The scientist says that the problem situation is the processes occurring in the human brain. Logical operations, speech, numbers, a linear representation of the facts processes the left hemisphere of the brain. But for the orientation in space, perception, various abstract operations, the right hemisphere is responsible.
Tony Busan argues that an effective replacement for traditional methods is a mental map. Examples of this method show that information is being recorded due to the common activity of two cerebral hemispheres and
visual thinking.What are the advantages of the new method of information processing?
The answer to this question is simple and will now be demonstrated. The first advantage of this method is that recording information is fast, easy and not so voluminous. The second advantage is that reading the map, you will have structured and logical relationships before your eyes. A third advantage is the usefulness of a method such as mental cards. Programs develop cognitive processes, namely memory, thinking, and imagination. The fourth advantage is that when creating a drawing, a person uses his creative potential and the resources of both hemispheres of the brain. Fifth advantage - information is stored almost instantly and with a high level of quality. A sixth advantage is that it is easy to learn a method such as a mental map. How to make it up? A simple instruction will help you.
Situations of the application of the Tony Busan method
There are a number of areas where the effectiveness of using a method such as a mental map is manifested. We will describe examples below.
- Increase creativity. The presented method is widely used in the process of creativity development and in situations of brain-storming. It provides not only the ability to generate new ideas, but also their design in a clear and organic structure.
- The scope of information management. Creating mental maps helps organize a huge flow of information into a tree structure, which provides quick and efficient distribution of data to various hierarchical places depending on the relevance and goals of the person.
- Possibility of planning. Often, the Tony Busan method is used in time management. Also, planning resources, tasks, deadlines will be much easier if a person does it using this method.
- Visual presentation. A mental map is a good example so that people can visually perceive and process information in its various relationships.
- In the learning process, a mental map is also used. The examples described above fully explain the advantages and benefits of using this method.
The next block of information provided will tell readers how to use this method.
Mental map: how to make?
This is not to say that the application of this new method is so simple, because it will require efforts from a person, but the usefulness of this skill will recoup the cost of resources. There are a number of steps and nuances that must be followed in order to create a similar pattern.
The first three stages - fixing the mental map
The first stage is the initial one. It is also called the free association regime or brain-storming. For example, you have a project. Taking a sheet of paper, write down all the thoughts and ideas that come to mind, even the most ridiculous. There is no room for criticism or restriction in this process.
The second stage is actually creating a mental map. You can take colored pencils and in the center write the main topic, from which make branches and write down ideas related to the main goal and generated during the brainstorming. Key ideas can also branch out into several lower order ideas.
The third stage is fixing the drawing made. You should postpone the card for at least 2 hours, and best of all - for 2 days - and then return to it. Thus, the fixation of ideas in the mind.
The final stages of building a mental map
The fourth stage is a return to the mental map. At this stage, using colors, emotionally color your creation: designate important or dangerous for you, joyful and fun. There are no strict requirements for shades, so use what you like. Create vivid images, because they will help to revive the picture and will contribute to memorization.
The fifth stage is re-fixing the card. Again, set the sheet aside for 2 hours to 2 days. Returning again to the canvas, you can make some more meaningful changes. Now the mental map is ready!
The presented method is quite young, but very effective, and many people have already appreciated its advantages. Do it and you!