The new course "Radiant Learning'' was applauded as a radiant success by those who took the six-week course at the Bermuda College recently.

Elizabeth Hayes taught Tony Buzan's techniques for radiant thinking, accelerated or speed reading, improved memory techniques and overcoming the fear of failure. Radiant thinking is a more effective way of organised thought, based on scientific research on how the brain processes information.

"The most useful part of the course for me has been from the mind mapping technique. I have achieved and am continuing to achieve greater clarity of mind, and clearer thought processes, and it's helped me to become a more organised and effective worker.'' says one of the participants Nikki Masters, an employee of the Bank of Butterfield.

"Scientific research shows we do not think in a linear fashion, but in a radial fashion. The left side of the brain controls logic, numbers, order, words, and sequences but the right side of the brain deals with colour, space, imagination and rhythm. We can access more of our brain power with this mind mapping technique.'' says Mrs. Hayes.

" I would highly recommend the course to anyone with personal desires to achieve something more. Elizabeth Hayes is an effective, dynamic, communicator and skilled facilitator with a solid educational background and makes classes even more interesting.'' The course appealed to a wide spectrum of people of many ages, from high school students, college students, those preparing to sit chartered accountancy exams or higher level business exams, to people from varying areas of the work force interested in personal development.

"This was an excellent course. Not only did I learn the `radiant techniques' but I learned why the techniques are worth while,'' remarked Collin Dill.

Buzan, the inventor of Mind Maps and Mind Mapping Techniques has produced and presented many television, video, radio, and satellite programmes. He is a prolific writer and an authority on the brain, memory, creativity and speed reading. He acts as an advisor to government departments, multinational companies and the British Olympic rowing squads.

The introduction to this course promises the most up-to-date understanding of the brain, examines creativity and the barriers to it and introduces the development of thinking skills using "mind maps''. From this the student is expected to gain a better realisation of their mental potential, a creative thinking experience to learn from and develop, the ability to integrate and use whole-brain skills, improved memory and communication, and easier, more enjoyable learning.

Understanding the relationship of the eye to the brain and knowing how they function together enables a greater efficiency and comprehension. These aspects are probed in great detail and the student is expected to gain the ability to read faster with good comprehension, read at a range of speeds relevant to the subject matter, improve their critical and appreciative abilities, and a better understanding of how to absorb, master and retain knowledge.

"When I was in school, they didn't teach us how to learn -- all they did was give us information and teach us how to copy. Unfortunately the education system doesn't teach you how to learn, but this does.'' says Mr. Dill.

"The potential of the human memory is phenomenal but as with any piece of equipment it is necessary to know how it works'' said Mrs. Hayes, a licensed Radiant Thinking Instructor and training manager with Performance Consultants International Ltd.

The purpose of the third section is geared at understanding how the memory works, the foundations and principals for a powerful memory and more effective learning with reduced frustration and greater productivity from studying.

Participants are also taught techniques which gives improved ability to remember names, numbers, dates and lists in their heads. The mind mapping technique also enables people to give speeches and lectures without the use of any notes or cue cards.

"This is a wonderful method to use in business meetings or negotiations. It looks very impressive and can be very intimidating to the other party because you seem incredibly competent with all the information in your head.'' said Mrs. Hayes.

"By understanding how you learn and overcoming the fear of failure, you break down the mental barriers to learning, and will be more successful at absorbing and applying new ideas and concepts,'' noted Mrs. Hayes.

The last section "Radiant Success'', coaches the art of relaxed concentration, the ability to shift from preparation to application and demonstrates tangible techniques to improve your test-taking performance.

"I was a little apprehensive about taking this course at first. Having now completed it I am eager to apply the skills I've learned to the next course I take.'' said Deborah Hendrickson.

"This course has met my expectations and gone far beyond them. It is my plan to follow the advice I received in this course to enhance myself and to reach my final long term goal, which is to be a qualified accountant.'' added Lorita Packwood.

"I think the course has addressed what it said it would address and we can improve in our own time.'' said Ms Masters.

"Learning these techniques is like learning to play tennis, I teach you the game and the strokes and it's up to you to put them into practise and perfect them. We are success mechanisms when you realise your wonderful potential.

It's just a question of removing the fear from failure.'' Radiant Learning courses for those interested will be running again in September at the Bermuda College.

RADIANT PATH -- One of the concepts of "Radiant Learning'' is the technique of "Mind Mapping''. Pictured here is Elizabeth Hayes, a Radiant Thinking instructor in front of a "Mind Map''.