SuperCamp’s summer programs teach campers from grades 4 through 12 methods of learning that make sense to them based on their learning style, as well as other learning and life skills that contribute to academic success and last a lifetime.
The purpose of studying is to help our brains process the information we've learned. It's not just about cramming facts into our memory banks; it's about getting it in there in a usable, meaningful, retrievable form. Instead of memorizing a bunch of dry facts, students can study by manipulating the information in all kinds of fun ways.
There are tons of ways active learners can help their brains process information. At our academic summer camps and teen summer camps, one of our campers' favorites is Mind Mapping®, a method developed by Tony Buzan in the 1960s. Mind Mapping is all about drawing and coloring and getting creative. It helps us learn things much more thoroughly because it involves both sides of the brain at once and lets us get the big picture of what we're learning. How do you Mind Map? You start by turning the page lengthwise (landscape) and putting one word or symbol that stands for the subject in the middle. Then you draw branches coming off that main idea, one for each important idea. Use symbols and colors wherever possible. Mind Mapping is a great way to organize a book report, study for a test, or plan an event. People have used it for all kinds of things from planning parties to solving problems.
Young people do better when they learn how to work with what they're getting in class. Those who manipulate their lessons - who play with the information, turn it upside-down, and put it in different contexts - make more use out of what they're learning. It's a lot tougher to call something boring when you've found half a dozen ways to put it to use.
For program grad James Ohnoki, Mind Mapping was a turning point in his school career. The visual elements helped him get the big picture, and the drawing and coloring gave him a chance to get his natural creativity in on the act. Suddenly, schoolwork became a much more interactive experience for him. His grades improved and his interests expanded. He found that he had more confidence to tackle anything he set out to do and learn.
