From this entry I will share some of my experience about learning.
We have to write something every day, no matter what the purposes are. Maybe you have heard this before, today I’m going to introduce an awesome method called “Process Writing”. I learned this when I was in Form 6 and found it pretty useful, which I still use it today.
This method consists of the following steps:
2. Mind-mapping
3. Make outline
4. Draft
5. Final copy
First is brainstorming, don’t be confused by this name, what you have to do is THINK. No matter relevant or irrelevant (to the topic), it is a good practice to keep your mind free and open.
Meanwhile, you can either take traditional notes (bullet-point form) or visualize your ideas in form of mind map. Yes, mind map is a more effective (and efficient) way to make notes, which I will have a separated entry for this later. For outline, this is not a must, but still good for min map beginners or if your composition is a homework, which an outline is good for your teachers to know your ideas.
Next is pretty straight-forward, just use some time to draft your words, don’t be serious about spelling or grammatical mistakes, just make sure you’re stick to what the outline shown (i.e. good organization in terms of suitable content order and paragraphs).
Finally is the final copy, in here you can fine tune your words used, especially opening, closing and transitions. Also you have to proof-read your work to prevent mark deduction due to careless mistakes, of course I suggest you to exchange your work with your classmate to check for each other in case you are allowed to do that.
This method is clear, organized and error-proof, but in other way is time-consuming, which is a drawback in exams. So you can refine the process according to your strength and habits, make it serves you well in all situations.
For next week: Extension entry for mind mapping
