The Centre for Extension Education (CEE) in collaboration with Malaysia Mental Literacy Movement (MMLM) jointly organised a talk titled “Excel in Your Studies through Mind Maps” on 20 June 2019 at UTAR Kampar Campus.

Invited to deliver the talk was Chris Tiew. Tiew is a certified Think Buzan Licensed Instructor who holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from Herriott Watt University, United Kingdom. Tiew has been exploring research findings from educational neuroscience and psychology on how the brain develops and learns for teaching and learning. He has also taught and trained thousands of students from primary to tertiary level.

The talk aimed to enlighten the participants on the laws of mind mapping and the techniques to develop good mind mapping skills in related subjects.

In his talk, Tiew said, “Mind Mapping is a powerful learning tool or technique that reflects externally what goes on in your brain. It helps record information by triggering your left and right brain and helps your cognitive skills in recalling memories.” Besides, he highlighted that mind mapping would be helpful for studies if we use different colours and images to differentiate the branches and sub-topics that further expand ideas and concepts.

Tiew also shared with the participants on the ways to develop mind mapping skills and the tips to enhance the quality of the mind maps with memory devices. He also taught the participants on how to create ideas and build connections from colours, images and words through some mind mapping exercises. The speaker explained that the exercises could help the students brainstorm and explore ideas and concepts and understand problems. According to him, it could also help facilitate a better understanding of the connections between ideas and concepts.

He also said that the mind map is a brainstorming web where the ideas are connected to each other. It acts as a platform where the students get a better understanding of what they are trying to study. “Your mind map does not have to be too detailed, simply make it as memorable as possible,” he said. Tiew also talked about how mind maps could help students remember the overall themes of a topic and recall the smallest details.

The talk then ended with a Q&A session and the presentation of token of appreciation by CEE Assistant Manager Ho Mei Kei to Tiew.

Tiew sharing the importance of the mind map

Tiew sharing the law of mind mapping

Students doing hands–on exercises

Students discussing the outcome of their exercises

Tiew (most left) receiving a token of appreciation from Ho (third from right) while Tam Lye Suan and CEE Senior Instructor Mohanambikay Pandian look on

Excelling in studies through mind maps