Abstract

© Dr M D Magee
Contents Updated: Monday, 05 January 2004

The mind is geared up to visual images, so that you remember more easily when a pattern impinges on your brain. That is why it is important to make your notes look interesting and individualistic, so that every pages is not just a block of text in your mind. Use creative pattern note taking, at least initially.

A. Advantage Of Creative Patterns

1. Central idea is clear
2. Relative importance is clear
3. Links are clear
4. Helps recall:
   • relation of ideas
   • forms a pattern—helps memory.
5. Easy to add to
6. Helps make connections
7. Improves critical faculties.

B. Method

1. Final pattern emerges at the end:
   • might look untidy
   • content not appearance is important
   • can re-draw if necessary.
2. Print in lower case and capitals—clearer
3. Link with labelled lines according to relations of ideas
4. Create freely for spontaneity—not hesitantly:
   • try not to hover over the paper
   • don’t try too hard to structure artificially—natural flow of ideas
5. Keywords
6. Techniques:
   • arrows—open closed, bent, doubled-headed, etc
   • bullets, asterisks, dashes, codes, exclamations, question marks, etc
   • shapes—squares, triangles, circles, double and treble borders, etc
   • colour and textures, use felt-tips and highlighters
   • artistic, 3D, cartoons, illustrative “doodles”
   • creativity—patterns fit subjects—mini-pictures and diagrams

C. Changing to Linear

1. Choose order:
   • several possibilities
   • outline related areas in colour
   • follow the logic of the creative pattern
   • decide best arrangement.
2. Write out in graded note form—like these (See list 6—How to make notes)

D. Use in Meetings and Discussions

1. Problems of discussions/meeting:
   • emphasis on speaking ability/personality rather than on ideas
   • valid points get lost in discussion.
2. Overcoming them:
   • discussion leader/chairman should use a blackboard at the front
   • use creative patterns
   • add each speaker’s relevant points
   • use to summarise at the end—know exactly what has been decided
3. Advantages
   • all important points recorded—ideas not personalities dominate
   • a memorable patterned record remains
   • active involvement focusses attention.

Skeptical Resources—Internet infidels | Jesus Never Existed | Steven Carr’s Website | Christianism | Early Christian Writings | God is Imaginary | “Religion Detoxification” | Our Judaio-Christian Heritage | Archaeoastronomy | No Deity | No Beliefs | Evil Bible | Bible God | ex-Christians | Jesus Police | Islamic Faith Freedom | Atheist Experience | American Atheists | Jovial Atheist | Askwhy! books
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