#visualaids

Note taking is an essential part of studying, and developing your own note taking style can significantly improve your learning experience. However, note taking should not just be a process of copying information from the board or textbook. It should be personalised to your learning style and optimised for effective retention and understanding. Here are some tips to improve your note taking habits:

Structure Your Notes for Organisation and Revision

Your notes should have a clear structure with headings, subheadings, and lists for better organisation and revision. Writing notes as if you were explaining the topic to someone who does not take the course is a good practice to ensure that your notes are clear and logical.

Additionally, labelled diagrams and concept maps can help you visualise and understand complex information. Studies have shown that visual aids, such as images and diagrams, are easier to remember and recall than text alone.

2. Highlight and Use Colours to Emphasise Key Points

Highlighters and coloured pens are not just for making pretty notes. They can also help you categorise and emphasise key points, making them easier to remember. Develop your own colour coding system, using different colours for different topics, definitions, or important information. Symbols, such as stars or underlines, can also be used to create your own coding system.

3. Use Your Own Words and Avoid Copying Verbatim

Avoid the temptation to copy everything word for word from the board or textbook. Instead, focus on deciphering the key information and paraphrasing it into your own words. This not only saves time but also helps you consolidate your understanding of the topic. You can still incorporate high-level vocabulary and terminology into your notes but try to write most of the content in your own words for better comprehension.

4. Consider Using Cornell Notes

Cornell notes are a popular note taking system recommended by universities such as Cornell and Harvard. They include a heading at the top, a column on the side for keywords, main ideas, and questions, a large section in the middle for class notes, and a summary at the end for revision. However, note taking is a personal process, and you should incorporate elements that work for you.

In conclusion, developing your own note taking style can significantly improve your study habits. Remember, note taking should be a personalised process that suits your learning style and helps you retain and understand the material better.

scopOphilic_micromessaging_458 - scopOphilic1997 presents a new micro-messaging series: small, subtle, and often unintentional messages we send and receive verbally and non-verbally.

Ended up illustrating all of the DND 5th edition potions as visual aids. Selling little diy cards/printouts of them for 2.19 on ETSY if anyone is interested. 

...Also made little boxes to put the cards in because the thought of little cards without a little box upsets me...

I love my dinky little potion boxes....I wish I could figure out how to print double sidded because I was gonna add stats on the back of the cards...

had full blown organized layout for all the potion info- including crafting info... but couldnt figure out how to stick the paper back into the printer so it would print right so, yeah....

One of the most thing to take into account when writing (in my very humble opinion) is the description. You may possibly think that it’s not that relevant, that the plot and the characters are the most important thing, that I’m crazy. But that’s not the case (I may be a little crazy though). Yes, those are extremely important too, but what’s a great plot and characterization if the reader can’t visualize it?

As a reader, one of the characteristics I have identified that define a great book is how much you can “relate” to the characters and the plot. And this is achieved by descriptions. Not those boring-ass descriptions that become annoying after the first paragraph. I’m talking about descriptions that “create” IMAGERY, descriptions that help you relate to the situation, descriptions that allow you to visualize what’s going on. 

And I think, please correct me if I’m wrong, that you need to think about how your readers want to or might feel when reading your writing.

1. When Emily opened her eyes she couldn’t feel anything but the soft fabric of her bedsheets and a good feeling in her gut. Today’s the day. 

2. Emily woke up with a smile on her face. She’s getting married today.

How did you feel when reading those sentences? Which one do you prefer? Why? Think about it. Neither of them is wrong, both are acceptable and readable. But there’s a difference between narrating and expressing, the same type of difference between needing and wanting.

made some new pieces, the last one was donated to Visual AIDS for their upcoming benefit auction.