[S1136]Summer Camps For Teens

It is often difficult for students to absorb and store information for future retrieval when it is not organized in a meaningful way. Memorizing a collection of dry facts, better known as cramming, does not allow a student to effectively retain information. When proper study techniques are utilized, the brain processes learned information more quickly by grouping it into a usable, retrievable format that can be accessed at a later time. To enhance this process, adding a fun and inventive twist onto a learning technique will help hold a student's interest and make it ultimately more effective.
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.
Mind Mapping, a method developed by Tony Buzan in the 1960's, allows students to actively learn through the use of colorful pictures and word associations. It creatively personalizes information in a unique way that also engages the left and right side of the brain simultaneously. This technique can be used by anyone who needs to prepare for an exam, write a book report, plan an event, or tackle a challenging problem.
How does one use Mind Mapping? First, turn your page horizontally so that you have plenty of room to spread outwards. Your first addition to the page should be something that represents the main idea of the subject matter you are covering. Consider the life cycle of a plant as an example. Sketch a picture in the center of the page that accurately represents your topic; in this case, you could pair the words with a drawing of a plant. Draw tapering branches stemming from the main idea and write each clarifying points along the branches' length: the germination of a seed, where a plant gets its food, the process of photosynthesis, and how flowers are pollinated. Be sure to include a picture with all relevant pieces of information and use at least three different colors throughout your Mind Map.
Color is important in Mind Mapping because it stimulates the imaginative portion of the brain and holds attention. Pairing pictures with words helps the brain form associations that can be easily summoned when needed. Each Mind Map should be unique in appearance and include a variety of pictures and words that emphasize the focal points and supporting details of the subject matter at hand. The final product will resemble a branching tree surrounding a central idea, which will serve as a reminder that the bigger picture should always be kept in mind.
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.
Students like James Ohnoki will be astonished at how effective the learning techniques they develop at SuperCamp will transform their study habits and turn them into interactive learners. It will bridge the gap between their coursework and comprehension, and start them down the road toward academic success. With learning techniques like Mind Mapping at their disposal, students will find the way to success is remarkably less difficult to traverse.