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# 1.3 The 5-minute mind jotter

This technique is simple but effective, and it’s designed to prepare your mind for new learning experiences. Before engaging with new material, spend just five minutes jotting down everything you know about the subject. By doing this, you can establish a mindset that makes tasks easier and helps you make connections to what you already know (Myhill, 2022).

This technique not only aids in understanding but also provides context, making the learning process more efficient and enjoyable.

## How does it work?

Set a timer: allocate five minutes before reading, attending a lesson, or starting a new task.

Jot down your knowledge: write down everything you know about the subject, e.g., key concepts, related ideas or even questions you have. By doing so, you are recalling what you already know, and activating prior knowledge.

## Good to know

It helps when you link ‘new’ to ‘old’. New knowledge hooks onto old knowledge much more easily than starting from a blank space or page.

The added bonus with this technique is that it seems to reduce anxiety. Knowing that you have some background knowledge is encouraging, and helps to make the learning process less daunting.

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