Knowledge without Borders (KWB) concluded a workshop on “Mind Mapping”, with the participation of more than 60 employees from various government departments in the Emirate of Sharjah.
Organised by the Knowledge without Borders, the two-day mind mapping training course was designed to teach the participants how to use the mind mapping technique, to better arrange their ideas and enhance the efficiency of learning.
The workshop, held at the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was presented by Dr. Yousuf Al Khadr, a leading Kuwaiti coach and expert in the field of management and human development and one of pioneers in presenting workshops on speed reading, mind mapping and improving memory.
In his introduction, Al Khader defined mind mapping as a successful graphical technique to represent ideas and concepts. It is a visual thinking tool that helps structuring information, helping to better analyze, comprehend, synthesize, recall and generate new ideas. He stated that mind mapping is a diagram to visually outline information, as mind map is often created around a single word or text, or book placed in the center, to which associated ideas, words and concepts are added, taking the shape of map. Through this technique, one can summarize a book or a lecture in one paper, he added.
Dr. Al Khader noted that the mind map has several uses, including summarizing, brainstorming, note taking, improving memory, research and article writing, and scenario analysis.
He noted that major global companies now depend on using mind maps within the work environment, to help their employees to be creative and excel in their work. Among these companies are Microsoft, Walt Disney, BP British Petroleum, IBM and HSBC, Dr. Al Khader said.
He added that the mind map depends on four basic principles in dealing words and ideas which are: image, word, arrangement, and using the power of the mind. Man can use the mind map to solve a problem, organise a trip or party or any social occasion, or to summarize a lecture, and even to improve memory for memorising lessons and books and scientific information.
Dr. Al Khader gave examples of the easiest and most common methods of shorthand writing, which depend on symbols because human’s brain responses better as symbols increase the curiosity and concentration, leading to rapid interpretation and understanding. The participants learnt about note-taking skills, and how to read an entire book in one hour, as well as ways to get rid of repeated and symbolic words.
Dr. Al Khader gave a brief presentation on the electronic mind maps, which are available online through various computer programs, which are easier to use, especially when amending or adding, and also allows for copying, printing, and sharing with others in an easy and fast manner.
During the workshop, the participants were divided into groups, to learn about man mapping skills, exchange ideas with their peers, and try to overcome obstacles that make the mind map ineffective. These obstacles include unclear or overlapping information, unclear writing, irregular information, lack of space balance between elements, and poor distribution of text colours in texts or images.
Majd Hassan Al Shehi, Public Relations and Media Executive at Knowledge without Borders, thanked Dr. Yousuf Al Khader for his valuable lecture that falls within KWB’s initiatives and would help it achieve its objectives of encouraging community members to read and acquire modern knowledge.
She stressed that the overwhelming response by the employees at government departments and agencies, reflect the government sector’s pioneering and leading role and keenness of its staff to develop their knowledge and managerial skills in favour of the work and customers.
On his part, Dr. Yousuf Al Khader expressed his delight in conducting this workshop in collaboration with Knowledge without Borders, which have always been keen to organise events and educational activities that help promote reading and knowledge. He emphasized that the workshop aims to help trainees to understand and comprehend information quickly and develop mental abilities and organised, clear and creative thinking.
Dr. Al Khader underlined that the mind map is commonly used in the field of personal development, education and business as a normal and very useful tool used help to arrange ideas and put them in place.
The Knowledge without Borders project was launched under the auspices of HH Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and with the close follow up of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Head of the Organising Committee of Knowledge without Borders project. The move aims to spread community awareness about the importance of reading and general knowledge, and to establish a library in every house containing a valuable collection of books that address different topics, after studying the cultural needs of each family.
For more information please contact:
Yousef Al Taweel
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