Generative learner have a pencil and paper next to them as they learn. Anything is possible on this blank piece of paper. They can do a brain dump of their thoughts on a topic by making their thoughts visible by writing it out. They can write out definitions of key concepts to begin with to understand the key components or elements that make up a topic. When doing this they would ask what, why and how? They could take opposing views on a topic to examine it from different perspectives.
After this they could draw a spider diagram or concept map to illustrate the hierarchical order of concepts and sub-concepts in relation to one another, almost like a visualised contents page of a book. This allows them to organize concepts and see which one sub-concepts fit into the larger concepts. They could then use arrows to draw connecting lines between concepts to show relationships or causes and effects. Thicker lines show stronger relationships. This helps the generative learner visualise relationships they see in their mind onto paper thereby making it visual and tangible.
They could then draw a storyboard to explain the sequence of events that happens when explaining how something works. This also helps them to organise their knowledge in chronological fashion to see logical sequence between different events i.e actions and consequences. The paper is a limitless tool for self-expression as anything is possible on it - new products and ideas and can be easily visualised and taken from the mind onto paper. As most of the knowledge we take in comes through reading or listening to others (i.e read or vocalised words), paper allows the generative learner to go from text to image quickly. All that is needed is an educated hand in the art of visual representation and using symbols and metaphor.