An open format in which students keep log books to help them become more active in the learning process is discussed. Included are creative thought and language, visualization, and using writing to learn how to learn. Examples of student writing are provided. (CW)

Presented are studies which confirm the idea that factors related to the format, the order of items presented, and the presentation style can affect the impact of information and student recall. Discussed are dynamic presentations, enumerated items, impact and timing, pairing of items, data summaries, and information load. (CW)