Concept Mapping For Learning

Concept maps are effective tools for recording valuable information into different categories that link to each other. In doing so it categorizes the information into smaller sub-groups which make it easier for the brain to process and remember, rather than trying to memorize a large chunk of information. Effective concept maps use colour, images, curved lines and minimal words to describe the different categories. For my own learning I tried out two different online mind mapping tools (Bubbl.us and Text2Mindmap) to practice creating concept maps. Personally I preferred the Text2Mindmap as it allowed me to type the information I wanted to use in the mind map at once and then it created this into a mind map. This meant the process of creating the mind map was quick as I then only needed to add colour. However this particular tool did not allow me to add pictures to each category, which as a visual learner is a very important component of my learning, being able to associate images with information. As a student learning to become a Learning Manager I believe concept maps can be effective means of enhancing the learning processed by school students when used appropriatly.

My Learning Style

After completing the memletic learning styles test, the results showed that my preferred learning style is visual and social. Using the visual style means that using pictures, colours, maps etc benefit me most when trying to organise and communicate information. The social style means that I communicate effectively both verbally and non-verbally with other people. In addition I learn effectively in groups or through one on one time with my teacher. Personally I am not surprised by these results as I am already aware I learn best using these styles. When I received my results I decided to look at my peer’s blog pages and read their results. This has made me grow more aware of just how diverse everyone’s preferred learning styles are. Therefore encouraging me to consider the diverse range of learners I will have when I am a learning manager. I ask myself the question, how can I support the range of learning styles of each of my students? I know I will need to cater for all students; therefore I need to know all of my students learning styles and how they learn best. This will involve completing different activities with them in order to learn more about them. In addition I will need to develop different skills myself so that I can teach catering for all learning styles. This means I will need to create a repertoire of teaching skills that benefit visual, social, physical, aural, verbal, solitary and logical learning styles.

A blog about blogs

When I was first told I had to create my own blog page I was immediately afraid. I was afraid of what a blog was, what it did and how to use a blog. For some reason I was afraid to learn about this foreign technological monster. However as a Learning manager I need to be open to learning new things and the change that is evident in every aspect of my life. So firstly I researched on the moodle site about blogs which gave me a sound understanding. To back it up I watched a useful online video called “Blogs in plain English” by Common Craft.



I now understand that a blog is similar to a journal but it is available on the web. Blogs are websites which are made up of blog posts where the blogger posts different information to share with other people. After creating my own blog I can now confidently say I am no longer afraid of being a blogger, I have come to the realization that blogs are easy to use and effective ways of recording your thoughts about different things, and recording different information relevant to different topics.