Handling Information Overload

Overview:

Introduction:

This program can help anyone at any level to improve the speed and effectiveness of their reading (for work and for study). It also explains the secrets of super memory systems and shows how mind mapping can be used for better note-making, planning, and communication skills. The program will help you to:

Course Objectives:

At the end of this course the participants will be able to:

• Read faster and more efficiently.
• Tackle reading tasks with more confidence.
• Learn the principles behind memory systems.
• Develop your ability to memorize and recall information.
• Develop note-making skills and learn how to read and use mind maps.
• Combine fast reading, mind-mapping, and memory skills to help handle “information overload”.

Targeted Audience:

• Managers
• Supervisors
• Team Leaders

Course Outlines:

Unit 1: Brain Skills, Fast Reading, and Mind Mapping:

• Thinking about reading - and challenging your existing assumptions
• Check current reading speed and understanding of the reading process
• How the brain works and its relevance for reading more effectively and remembering more
• The mechanics of how the eye works in tandem with the brain
• Breaking delusions: challenging beliefs and assumptions about reading
• Reading environment
• How to be a 'successful' reader
• Different approaches to note-making
• How to mind map

Unit 2: Reading Strategies and Memory Systems:

• Reading strategies: the theory
• Successful reading: increasing reading speed and effectiveness
• Reading practice
• Thinking about remembering
• Memory systems introduced (Memory magic?)
• Remembering numbers
• Using mind mapping to help you remember what you have read

Unit 3: Reading at Work, Memory Rhythms, and Thinking in Groups:

• More memory magic
• Different approaches for reading documents, textbooks, emails, and the web
• Getting control (how to read a book in a hurry)
• How we remember - and how we forget (and what to do about it!)
• Using mind mapping and reading strategies together
• Thinking and working in groups
• Project: mind mapping in teams

Unit 4: Time Management and Outcome Planning For Better Results:

• Team mind mapping presentations
• Outcome planning for better results
• Better time management as a tool for handling information overload
• Reading: understanding an article and extracting key points
• Mind mapping software (e.g. Mind Manager, iMindMap, NovaMind)
• Mind mapping: when to use the software, when to use paper
• Developing listening skills as part of the note-making process
• Revision in context

Unit 5: Problem Solving, Meetings, and Planning for Success:

• Putting it All Together: Your Toolkit for Handling Information Overload
• Reading, remembering
• Communicating in working life
• Preparing for and participating in meetings
• Reflective review (what have you learned and how can you apply it in the real world?)
• Planning for success and planning to practice