My name is James Finnegan. I have being teaching at CBC Monkstown Park since 1992. I have been using Mind Maps for the past 5 years with pupils aged 12-19. My aim is to show students how to learn. I am convinced that most of us are capable of extraordinary feats of learning. The only thing preventing us from achieving success in exams is ignorance of the techniques and systems that empower us to tap into a remarkable resource - our brain.

The key to memory development, learning and the passing of exams lies in our imagination. Mind Maps help children and adults unlock their imagination, remember facts easily, make clearer notes, plan and succeed in exams. The system is especially empowering for children with dyslexia.

My web site soileir is dedicated to unlocking the child's imagination by treating it like a muscle and giving it regular exercise. The website is not fully operational yet. I hope to have it ready by the end of January 2009. The word Soiléir is an Irish word meaning clear/ distinct/ plain and obvious. Soiléir discovers how dull, unintelligible data can be converted into meaningful, memorable images by learning the colourful and fun process of Mind Mapping.

I hope to branch out and introduce other teachers and students to the benefits of Mind Mapping by running courses throughout 2009.