When information is taken in, it is stored and assimilated in particular regions of the brain. The process of looking at the patterns formed can be described as mental mapping.

We do not have one brain rather we have two, divided into left and right hemispheres.

Each has its own functions to perform.

The left side appears to be very good at logical and rational thinking, language processing, working with numbers, and thinking in steps or stages and words. The left-brain is employed whenever we learn a new language or try out a mathematical technique.

The right side appears to be better at seeing relationships and connections between words, ideas and situations, spatial awareness, synthesising ideas and thinking in images and patterns. The right brain is employed more actively whenever we draw, paint, play music and simply day dream.

Modern educational systems favour the development of 'left brain' skills and many students are fluent and confident in these. However to be truly effective learners, we need to foster and enhance our right brain processes so that they balance and complement those of the left.

Look at a diagram of the two minds

We all use radiant thinking, a term coined by Tony Buzan to describe the way we associate information in our brains.

The device he described to brainstorm ideas, plan assignments, make notes or revise topics is called a mindmap.

A mind map starts with the most important idea in the centre with secondary idea radiating out from it in order of importance.

Download a mind map of chemistry terms

To make your mind map clear and relevant it important to use the following:

• emphasis

• association

• colours

• spacing

• images

• arrows

• codes

• numbers

Download and complete your own mindmap