This was another Kindle purchase. It is really aimed at imparting study skills for college but I read it for information on mind mapping. There are some helpful tips on reviewing and learning materials and life long learning. Not a real 'page turner' but well organized and helpful for what it is. ( )

I received 'How to Study with Mind Maps: The Concise Learning Method for Students and Lifelong Learners' by Toni Krasnic in exchange for a honest review.

I've taken along time to post a review for this book. Not due to the book being confusing or even long (just something else out of my control). It is well written and the CLM concept is fantastic. It is not a shortcut method. Any person following the 5Ps will certain learn any material and learn it well. Think of a way to organize new information into your mind so it can digest into they way your mind work and can handle and use it. It takes some times for someone to use it efficiently. I found that some of the ideas that CLM suggest, I already used it unconsciously to learn, however, never gave much thought to. Others are new to me, but cannot do without now.

Do not just read this book. Apply the techniques. You will see the results. In this age of information overload, you will do yourself a favor by having a way to process all this information and making it into useful knowledge for yourself. ( )

*Note - I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.*

That being said, I feel lucky to have seen this on a list of books for review, as well as get this book. It is very usable and I have even used it enhancing several mind maps while reading the book. I have read some of the book twice, and it helps to refine and catch new items. This is a book that I would put down as a must purchase for many parents of students and students who are having some trouble with learning and studying. Mind maps are a great tool, but knowing how to optimize their use for studying is the value of this book. The five phases and four steps are strong learning methodology pieces Then applying and combining them with mind maps make this a great tool.

In my life - there are four areas where there is learning involved: as a coach, as a student, as a parent, and at work where I am trying to help a group of people learn to do their jobs better. The best part of this book is that it is truly meant for all of these scenarios, as it covers the entire spectrum.

Lastly, I want to thank the author for addressing a large gap in the education system: teaching people how to study. ( )

I found this book to be incredibly helpful. I only wish it had been published back when I was a student. While reviewing the material, I realized I intuitively used some of Professor Krasnic's methods in college. For example, I always previewed the material in my book and notes, prior to attending a lecture. I believe the Concise Learning Method (CLM) could have given me the skills to graduate at the very top of my class. In my opinion, coming close is not good enough. If I had this method of learning at the time, it may have given me the extra edge to graduate magna cum laude.

The Concise Learning Method uses visuals that the student creates. This helps him or her to transfer the information from short-term memory into long-term memory. This study method gives learners' the ability to understand complex material and remember it. It involves recording the information in mind maps, and utilizing the five phases of learning with the repetitive four steps of: key concepts, meaningful organization and connections, critical thinking and key questions, applied to each phase. It engages the student in teaching themselves. It helps guides the learner to thinking flexibly, critically and formulating the key questions to ask . When you put it all together, it provides a flexible and systematic approach to learning. The only thing I would add, is advising students to tutor classmatesif they can. I found that no matter how well I thought I understood the subject material, I found I gained a better understanding through answering questions for other students, and helping them to master the material at hand.

I really cannot stress enough how good and useful Professor Krasnic's book is. If it was up to me, it would be a required first semester course for any high school or college student.

BUY IT! and APPLY IT! It is well worth it.

Bob Rodgers ( )

I appreciated Mr. Krasnic's HTSWMM as an introduction to the concept of mind mapping. I'll admit that the early going seemed a little nebulous, but the use of examples at the back of the book made the difference. My background is as an engineer and as a pastor of a medium-sized church. I'm looking at putting the visual element into practice in managing group efforts. Not only will it help me to stay on top of all that's happening, but it will help me show others where their part fits in. I'm also putting the book on the must-read stack for my high-schooler. ( )