Recently I've been using an excellent little app on my smartphone. It's helping me learn about CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) techniques. Anyone that knows me knows I'm a geek and love technology, but sometimes it falls short. This is particularly true when I'm learning something new.
I find tech solutions are often primarily text-based, and as someone who thinks in pictures, I need an image to help cement the learning.
This shortfall is an opportunity to create my own picture. It doesn't have to be fancy or take a long time. Making a quick 10-minute diagram using available supplies is a surefire way to help lock in the learning.
The best part, studies show the quality of the drawing does not matter! A quick simple picture is all you need.
Step 1) Determine what you're learning. Knowing what type of information you're learning will help you choose which picture to draw. The table of contents, outline, or curriculum summary can be an excellent place to find this info.
Still, trying to decide which picture to draw? - Draw a few thumbnails to determine what makes sense before creating a final version.
Step 2) Post your drawing somewhere where you will see it often, like the bathroom mirror or on your screensaver.
Step 3) Take a minute or two each day to review your diagram. Soon you'll have your picture embedded in your brain to help you remember the information you're learning.
to add interest and additional layers of meaning to your diagram.
Learning something new this summer? Have 10 minutes? Grab something to draw with and something to draw on, and give it a whirl. Creating your own picture helps make learning sticky.