Overview
This lecture explains the value of creating your own paper compendium (a systematically organized notebook of information) for mastering new topics, covers types of compendiums, methods for collecting entries, and strategies for effectively using your compendium for study and retention.
What is a Compendium?
- A compendium is a systematically presented, comprehensive collection of information and analysis on a body of knowledge.
- Unlike a commonplace book (which collects quotations), a compendium focuses on short, essential information rather than verbatim quotes.
- Encyclopedias are a type of compendium meant to cover all human knowledge but are usually organized alphabetically.
Why Make Your Own Compendium?
- Creating and writing entries in your own words enhances comprehension, encoding, and later recall.
- Studies show longhand, paper notebook note-taking leads to deeper learning than laptop or digital notes.
- The tactile and spatial nature of physical notebooks benefits memory and retrieval.
Types of Compendiums
- Personal Encyclopedia: General information for personal use on various topics.
- Public Encyclopedia: General information compiled to share with others.
- Personal Topic-Specific Compendium: In-depth information on one topic for personal mastery.
- Public Topic-Specific Compendium: In-depth information on one topic to teach or share with others.
Starting Your Compendium
- Choose a notebook that fits your needs; paper is recommended for optimal learning.
- Decide the scope (general or topic-specific) and intended audience (personal or public).
- Defining these will help you select the type of compendium to create.
Collecting Entries for Your Compendium
- Ad Hoc Entries: Add information as you encounter it, with no predetermined plan.
- Post Hoc Entries: Group or create entries after accumulating various notes, possibly splitting off new compendiums for recurring topics.
- Ante Hoc Entries: Plan topics or categories in advance, create an index (e.g., using the upside-down/backwards method for extra space), then gather info to fill them.
Effectively Using Your Compendium
- Review your compendium regularly to reinforce learning and memory retention.
- Practice active recall: read an entry, close the notebook, and reproduce from memory via writing or speaking.
- Teach or explain content from your compendium to someone else to deepen understanding.
- Treat your compendium as a flexible, first-draft tool; perfection is unnecessary.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Compendium — A comprehensive, systematically organized collection of information and analysis on a subject.
- Commonplace Book — A notebook for collecting quotations, usually organized by topic or theme.
- Active Recall — A study technique involving retrieving information from memory without looking at notes.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Select and prepare a paper notebook for your first compendium.
- Decide on your compendium’s topic and purpose (personal/public, general/specific).
- Begin gathering and organizing entries using ad hoc, post hoc, or ante hoc methods.
- Regularly review and practice active recall with your compendium.