The famous American psychologist, William James, said half the cases of mysticism are symptoms of insanity.

Learning Lists for Science 7
Creative Pattern Note Taking

Abstract

This page gives a check list of how to take creative pattern notes

Advantage Of Creative Patterns
Method
Changing to Linear
Use in Meetings and Discussions

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

Central idea is clear
Relative importance is clear
Links are clear
Helps recall:
- relation of ideas
- forms a pattern—helps memory.
Easy to add to
Helps make connections
Improves critical faculties.

B. Method

Final pattern emerges at the end:
- might look untidy
- content not appearance is important
- can re-draw if necessary.
Print in lower case and capitals—clearer
Link with labelled lines according to relations of ideas
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
Keywords
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

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

D. Use in Meetings and Discussions

Problems of discussions/meeting:
- emphasis on speaking ability/personality rather than on ideas
- valid points get lost in discussion.
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
Advantages
- all important points recorded—ideas not personalities dominate
- a memorable patterned record remains
- active involvement focusses attention.