Creative Learning Techniques Taught at Academic Summer Camp
Studying isn't about just cramming facts into memory banks. It can be difficult to absorb information and store it for future retrieval when memorizing a collection of dry facts that lack meaningful organization. Utilizing proper study techniques helps the brain process learned information by grouping it into formats that are usable, and more importantly, retrievable. This process can be enhanced by adding a fun and inventive twist to studying which will keep a student engaged.
One of the world's leading academic summer camps teaches students ranging from grades 4 through 12 critical learning and life skills, while also keeping them engaged in new and interesting ways. SuperCamp bridges the gulf between a student and his or hers coursework by approaching the subject matter intuitively and equipping them with a wide range of study skills and advantageous techniques that cater specifically to their learning style.
A camp favorite at SuperCamp is Mind Mapping, a method developed by Tony Buzan in the 1960's that promotes active learning through colorful picture and word associations. The goal of Mind Mapping is to get creative! Personalizing the information in a way that employs both sides of the brain is the key to this learning technique. Anyone who needs to organize information easily for absorption can use this technique, whether in preparation for an exam, a book report, planning an event, or tackling a challenging problem.
How does Mind Mapping work? The first step is to turn your page horizontally and give yourself plenty of room to spread outwards. In the center of the page, write or draw something that represents the main idea; it will work best if you include both words and a sketch for maximum retention and comprehension. To help exemplify this, consider the life cycle of a plant. A picture of a plant corresponding with the words allows the brain to quickly associate and visualize content. Draw tapering branches stemming from the main idea using at least three separate colors and write a clarifying point along each of the branches' length: how a seed germinates, how plants gain nutrients, the process of photosynthesis, and pollination. Be sure to include pictures wherever possible.
The use of color stimulates the imaginative portion of the brain - additionally, it captures and holds the Mind Mapper's attention. The pictures paired with words will help the brain form associations that can be easily recalled at a later date. The final product should resemble the many branches of a tree surrounding a central idea. The more unique your mind map is, the easier it will be to retain the information!
With a strong foundation formed at an early age, students can develop study skills that work best with their mode of learning. A student who is able to manipulate content in a mentally stimulating way will be much less apprehensive about learning new material, which may set a trend in years to come. James Ohnoki, a SuperCamp graduate and earnest believer in Mind Mapping, felt that Mind Mapping brought about a new level of understanding to his study habits and became a major turning point in his academic career. The visual elements helped him connect facts to a bigger picture, while the drawing and coloring aspects gave him license to be as creative as he wanted.
Just as James Ohnoki discovered, the learning techniques students develop at SuperCamp will transform them into more interactive learners for the rest of their lives. It can effectively bridge the gap between a student and his or her coursework and start them on the road to academic success. Armed with learning techniques like Mind Mapping, students will find this path to success remarkably easier to traverse.
One of the world's leading academic summer camps teaches students ranging from grades 4 through 12 critical learning and life skills, while also keeping them engaged in new and interesting ways. SuperCamp bridges the gulf between a student and his or hers coursework by approaching the subject matter intuitively and equipping them with a wide range of study skills and advantageous techniques that cater specifically to their learning style.
A camp favorite at SuperCamp is Mind Mapping, a method developed by Tony Buzan in the 1960's that promotes active learning through colorful picture and word associations. The goal of Mind Mapping is to get creative! Personalizing the information in a way that employs both sides of the brain is the key to this learning technique. Anyone who needs to organize information easily for absorption can use this technique, whether in preparation for an exam, a book report, planning an event, or tackling a challenging problem.
How does Mind Mapping work? The first step is to turn your page horizontally and give yourself plenty of room to spread outwards. In the center of the page, write or draw something that represents the main idea; it will work best if you include both words and a sketch for maximum retention and comprehension. To help exemplify this, consider the life cycle of a plant. A picture of a plant corresponding with the words allows the brain to quickly associate and visualize content. Draw tapering branches stemming from the main idea using at least three separate colors and write a clarifying point along each of the branches' length: how a seed germinates, how plants gain nutrients, the process of photosynthesis, and pollination. Be sure to include pictures wherever possible.
The use of color stimulates the imaginative portion of the brain - additionally, it captures and holds the Mind Mapper's attention. The pictures paired with words will help the brain form associations that can be easily recalled at a later date. The final product should resemble the many branches of a tree surrounding a central idea. The more unique your mind map is, the easier it will be to retain the information!
With a strong foundation formed at an early age, students can develop study skills that work best with their mode of learning. A student who is able to manipulate content in a mentally stimulating way will be much less apprehensive about learning new material, which may set a trend in years to come. James Ohnoki, a SuperCamp graduate and earnest believer in Mind Mapping, felt that Mind Mapping brought about a new level of understanding to his study habits and became a major turning point in his academic career. The visual elements helped him connect facts to a bigger picture, while the drawing and coloring aspects gave him license to be as creative as he wanted.
Just as James Ohnoki discovered, the learning techniques students develop at SuperCamp will transform them into more interactive learners for the rest of their lives. It can effectively bridge the gap between a student and his or her coursework and start them on the road to academic success. Armed with learning techniques like Mind Mapping, students will find this path to success remarkably easier to traverse.
About the Author:
SuperCamp's academic summer programs have been improving the lives of kids and teens for more than 27 years. Enroll your kids online and receive your free copy of "10 Easy Ways to Study" to improve their study skills today.
Posts
Post a Comment