up:: [[Learning and Knowledge Management]] x:: [[On the process of note-making]] tags:: #on/learning # Sensemaking and Intellectual Output Sensemaking is a cognitive process that involves the interpretation and integration of information and experiences to create meaning and understanding. It is a fundamental aspect of human cognition and plays a crucial role in shaping intellectual output. ## The Challenges with Learning Today Have you gotten stuck trying to put a concept into words? When you take notes, do you write the speaker's words as verbatim, because it's struggle to put in into your own context? Note-making is a process that engages the full sequence of sensemaking mechanisms. It is a skill to be develop over time, frameworks such as the [[Cornell Note-Taking Method]] enhances sensemaking by asking the student to take notes in context of their own thinking. However, *learning can be iterative*. We can use tools to help us run through the sensemaking sequence faster, so long as we don't outsource any of the steps completely. > For example, transcribes are an initial summary of the raw information is hard the first time, and we already noted that writing this requires the full sequence to be engaged. However, we can use [[Generative AI]] to make summaries of article/video/books as an entry point, then use the AI output as prompts for ourselves to ***contextualize, discover patterns, and ultimately to explain*** in our own words. This side steps the issue today where a massive flood of information is flooding us at all times. We can making learning smarter with AI, with the following key points. * Use links to connect ideas, use tags and folders to categorize them. * *Engage in concept linking and pattern recognition yourself*, however, use tools for early forms of organizing your input. * Create open links on concepts to explore on, research with AI notes, repeat until a web of notes is connected and sensemade by you. i.e., *decide what else to collect*. * *Create an output, write this on your own*, at the top of the atlas (map of content), referring to key concepts found in your research. * Now this is an interconnected island of thoughts, ready to be linked from future learning efforts. *i.e., we enable synthesis and insight generation.* ## Mechanics of Sensemaking Linked notes can be a helpful tool for facilitating and representing the mechanisms of sense-making. Here's a breakdown of how linked notes can be used to illustrate these mechanisms. **Data Collection and Gathering:** Start by collecting data, information, or experiences relevant to the context in which sense-making is needed. This data can be in the form of observations, documents, conversations, or any other source of information. We're overwhelmed by the amount of information out there, thus we need a system of engagements, an [[Inbox]] to catch pinned content we'd like to explore deeply. **Contextualization:** Create context notes that provide the background, setting, or context for the sense-making process. These notes can include key factors, stakeholders, timelines, or any other relevant contextual information. Link context notes to the data notes to establish the connection between the collected data and the broader context in which it fits. [[Linking your thinking encourages leaps of insights]] **Pattern Recognition:** As you review the data notes and context notes, look for patterns, similarities, and differences among the information. Linked notes can help you visually connect related pieces of information and identify recurring themes. **Hypothesis Generation:** Based on the patterns and insights identified, start generating hypotheses or tentative explanations for the observed phenomena. Create hypothesis notes that outline your initial thoughts and ideas. This will be the initial iterations of your "output", written in your own words. As you connect and support the reasoning inherent within, these become the breeding grounds for insight. **Testing and Validation:** Test your hypotheses by seeking additional information or evidence that either supports or refutes them. Create validation notes to record the results of your investigations. Link validation notes back to the corresponding hypothesis notes and data/context notes to document the outcome of your testing and the rationale behind your conclusions. **Iteration and Refinement:** The sense-making process often involves multiple iterations as you refine your understanding and update your hypotheses based on new information. Use linked notes to track the evolution of your thoughts and hypotheses over time, showing how your sense-making process has progressed. **Synthesis and Insight Generation:** As you continue to refine your hypotheses and gather evidence, you'll eventually arrive at a synthesis of your findings and insights. Create synthesis notes that summarize your conclusions, insights, and the overarching understanding you've developed through sense-making. Link synthesis notes to all relevant data, context, hypothesis, and validation notes to provide a comprehensive view of how you arrived at your conclusions. **Communication and Sharing:** Use linked notes to prepare presentations, reports, or documents that convey your sense-making process and its outcomes to others. Share these documents with stakeholders to facilitate shared understanding and decision-making. [[Levels of Understanding]] See [[Types of Intellectual Output]] for varying degrees of communication artifact. Related: * [[2017 - How to Take Smart Notes]] * [[2022 - Build a Second Brain]]