Want to learn better? Start mind mapping | Hazel Wagner | TEDxNaperville

As a lifelong learner with 4 degrees and a Ph.D. in mathematics, Hazel Wagner has spent her life learning how to learn. Hazel shares her work on mind mapping and what it can do for understanding, memorization, and retention. Hazel Wagner, Ph.D., MBA, CMC is a lifelong learner. She has four college degrees including a Ph.D. in mathematics from Northwestern University, which she earned while raising three children. She’s published four books on mathematics and business, including Power Brainstorming and Business, Brains, and B.S. She’s a cancer survivor, a volunteer, an entrepreneur, a pioneer in Criterion Referenced Testing in education, and a researcher on how people learn difficult subjects in mathematics.

Hazel has spoken and written on the subjects of critical thinking, innovation, decision-making, marketing, business strategy, and leadership, and taught related subjects for the American Management Association, Northwestern University, Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Cardean University, and De Paul Graduate School of Business.

[bdhazel]

Messages I am receiving about how my talk has helped them progress in some way, heartwarming.  A fulfillment of my purpose.

[mfz]

Mind maps made me an all A student in school. I would do a mind map while looking through notes or a textbook. Then I would look over it and really try UNDERSTAND the information. Then I would write atleast a page essay of what i remembered.Then put both pages into a folder and glance over all the topics at the beginning of every study session. then when it got closer to exams I would do flashcards on each topic and skim through them. I had very little mental strain too because of it. Organisation is so important.

[OzScout]

I've been using mind-mapping for 30 years when designing information systems and more recently machine learning algorithms.... it is without question a phenomenal tool/technique !

[terrytang]

I've have watched so many TED Talks and this one is one of a few that I can actually apply to my daily life.

[yaseerapatel]

I done this the day of my biology test and I got an A. I finally know how to study. THANK YOU. THANK YOU

[csyiphk]

The best TED conclusion ever : Share with someone. Teach some children.
Thank you, Hazel. Thank you.

[powermetalcollector]

Mindmaps also help me to learn vocabulary faster and more efficiently. Starting with a topic (for example: Business, Transportation), I draw branches which are words relating to the topic. I organise words' positions so I can see the connection between them. I also use color codes to categorise them (verb-noun-adjective, masculine-neutral-feminine words)

[gokurocks]

Couple this with the Feynman Technique, will of iron, and immense passion and nothing can stop you.

[wonderboyngubeni]

I work full time and study law part time whilst I gym 2 times a day, I use mindmaps and I am a straight A student. Its been a life saver. In school and last degree I performed average but now I have elevated myself to Merit standard level all thanks to mindmaps, I really get into the core of any material and disect it in a way that my brain understands best thank you so much

[armansareen]

Thanks a lot! I used this a day before my 20 mark test, got 19.5 and now I finally know how to study!

[edwinyanee]

Why we don't have this "mind mapping" lesson at school? I think all school in the world should teach this brilliant way of thinking when we at teenage. Thank you for sharing 🙏

[raghshrestha]

Amazing how she did her Ph.D. while raising 3 children ! She knows what she is talking about !

[drlau]

This is absolutely life-changing. As someone who spends a ridiculous amount of time writing down notes in lengthy paragraphs, I realize how much time I have wasted. Even after studying I would still jot down what I've learned into long sentences, even though it was completely unnecessary. I tried this method today after studying to gauge how much I learned and I have to say, it is a much better way to learn indeed, and a faster way as well. It's safe to say that I'll be using this method for the rest of my college years, and probably for the rest of my life. Thank you so much for sharing this!

[dc_]

There is so much more to mind mapping than is spoken about in this talk. For example, what about symbols, pictures, and colors? I would HIGHLY recommend checking out Tony Buzan’s, The Mind Map Book. I can promise it will be life-changing.

[marianna.]

Interesting talk. I kept wishing that we could have looked at her mind map while she was speaking, instead of the camera panning to the darkened room where the audience sat. I guess there has to be some extra benefit to being there in person.

[michaelayliffe]

I used mind maps as a way to note, build topic and subject maps for exams. Now i have a MBA...
In 20 years in business mind maps keep everyone on task.

[tangobayus]

I just learned it at 70. Great stuff.

[mariajoaocarvalhoareias]

Thank you.They should be teaching this in schools, children and we all need this knowledge.I am 63 and only now realised I never heard about mind mapping .But surely I am still in time I shall teach my five grandchildren about this importance .Gratitude in sharing and teachings us all.Thank you TED.

[roselynecollet]

I can't thank-you enough for teaching and sharing this!! I learnt this a year ago and as a pharmacist, it greatly helps me learn and REMEMBER about disease states and the appropriate drugs to treat the disease. I would learn about a topic and forget. Now I mind map, and if I forget, I review by looking at the mind map without having to read all over again. This has given me the method to remember what I learn. Love it!!

[zumbak-background-loops]

I just met Hazel. Mind-mapping has been a part of my life for years. She is right on the money.