Academic Summer Camps Teach Creative Learning Techniques

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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.

SuperCamp, one of the leading academic summer camps worldwide, provides crucial learning and life skills that will help guide campers ranging from grades 4 through 12 to academic success. For any learner, a significant gap can form between subject matter and student if the learning method isn’t approached intuitively. SuperCamp equips students with a repertoire of valuable study skills and advantageous techniques that work specifically with their individual learning pattern.

Enhancing this process with a fun and inventive twist will only keep a student more engaged in the learning process. A camp favorite at SuperCamp is Mind Mapping, a method developed by Tony Buzan in the 1960′s that uses both sides of the brain. Mind Mapping employs colorful pictures and word associations to promote active learning in a way that is customizable for each individual. Anyone can use this technique to prepare for an exam, write a book report, plan an event, or tackle a challenging problem.

How does Mind Mapping work? The first step is to turn your page horizontally and give yourself plenty of room to spread outwards. In the center of the page, write or draw something that represents the main idea; it will work best if you include both words and a sketch for maximum retention and comprehension. To help exemplify this, consider the life cycle of a plant. A picture of a plant corresponding with the words allows the brain to quickly associate and visualize content. Draw tapering branches stemming from the main idea using at least three separate colors and write a clarifying point along each of the branches’ length: how a seed germinates, how plants gain nutrients, the process of photosynthesis, and pollination. Be sure to include pictures wherever possible.

Color in Mind Mapping stimulates the imaginative portion of the brain and captures-and holds-attention. Pairing a word with a corresponding picture helps the brain form associations that can be easily recalled later. Every Mind Map should be unique in shape and construction. Some will include many larger branching points with few details, while other, more complicated topics will fill the page with supporting details surrounding the central idea. The more unique the Mind Map, the easier the information will be to retain!

Laying strong groundwork at an early age is extremely important for a student when developing their study skills. A student able to manipulate content in a mentally stimulating way will be more excited about learning and can consequently set a trend for the rest of their lives. SuperCamp graduate, James Ohnoki, felt Mind Mapping was a major turning point in his academic career. He became a more interactive learner as a result and used the technique many times to help him connect visual elements to learned content. He particularly enjoyed the drawing and coloring aspects of Mind Mapping because it 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.

SuperCamp’s teen summer programs have been improving the lives of kids and teens for over 27 years. Enroll your kids online and get your free copy of “10 Easy Ways to Study” to improve their study skills today.

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MLA Style Citation:
Tyson, Lauren "Academic Summer Camps Teach Creative Learning Techniques." Academic Summer Camps Teach Creative Learning Techniques. 15 Jan. 2009. uberarticles.com. 10 Feb 2012 <http://uberarticles.com/reference-and-education/academic-summer-camps-teach-creative-learning-techniques/>.

APA Style Citation:
Tyson, L (2009, January 15). Academic Summer Camps Teach Creative Learning Techniques. Retrieved February 10, 2012, from http://uberarticles.com/reference-and-education/academic-summer-camps-teach-creative-learning-techniques/

Chicago Style Citation:
Tyson, Lauren "Academic Summer Camps Teach Creative Learning Techniques" uberarticles.com. http://uberarticles.com/reference-and-education/academic-summer-camps-teach-creative-learning-techniques/

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