Chapter 2: Getting Started

Learning maps differ a lot from ˜ordinary note-taking techniques. Most people take notes in full sentences or fragments of sentences. A smaller proportion use keywords only. Have a look at the map on page 99. How does this differ from your ordinary notes? Does it look messy? In a way it does, as you probably don t understand what the words and the pictures all mean “ and where do you start reading? You may even think this is not worth trying to understand. However, it will all become clear once you get started.

In this chapter you will learn the first, elementary rules of learning maps step by step. You will not find it difficult if you follow the book through, do all the exercises and practise whenever you have a chance.

If you do that you will very soon get used to the technique and see the possibilities in it. What seems messy in a learning map when you first see one will soon appear to be very strict logic and you will easily find your way through it. However, if you are not used to taking notes at all, you may first have to practise picking out the right words. You may have to train your ability to listen, to find a context or a vital thought in what is being said or in what you are reading. These are skills you will practise in the first exercises.

Don t expect everything to come at once. Some people know how to ride a bike the first time they try, while others have to practise and practise. As with many other techniques, you will find that progress is made gradually or comes in leaps.

When schoolchildren learn how to read, some of them are so focused on the technique itself, they do not have the faintest idea what they have just been reading. But after a while when they have practised the skills, they also understand what they are reading and enjoy it.

When you master a technique and are then asked to learn one more or to replace the old one with a new, you will find yourself in conflict. Normally, you first get confused and try to apply the old rules to the new one. You get a mixture of both. To some people this is as far as they can get. They never really learn the new techniques or methods , because they don t see how they can do it.

To others, a new way of looking at things is an exciting challenge. So persevere, and when it all comes clear to you it will be very satisfying .