This is an Effective Note-taking Method that You Need to Know
We used to take a note while we are studying, attending a seminar, or anything. It helps us to strengthen our understanding and reviewing what we have learned.
However, we probably didn’t use an appropriate note-taking method while studying at school. We used to write the explanation of the teacher or the explanation on the board.
The question is, do you enjoy reading what you wrote?
If the answer is no, so we are the same.
Let me tell you about my experience at school. I wrote a lot of subject material in my book. I wrote anything. Suddenly, my book was full of notes. I didn’t filter the material whether it is important or not important.
Then I ask, “Should I read these messy notes?”
It seems like a copy version of my textbook. It doesn’t help me in understanding the material.
“What should I do?”
I then realized that my note-taking method is not appropriate for me. I started looking at another method. I conclude that my previous note-taking method is not effective.
I think note-taking is effective when it can simplify the material so that it makes us easy to understand. It’s like highlighting the important part of a textbook. We highlight it because it is important and needs to be understood.
The first thing we should be aware of is about taking only an important part of the textbook or teacher’s explanations. And I think note-taking is not only about words or sentences but also about pictures and illustrations.
Sometimes, drawing an illustration can spark our imagination about the material.
For example, we can put an illustration in our notes about a historical event. It will help us to imagine its history from time to time.
A good note can strengthen our understanding.
A good note is contained by important things.
A good note is simple and clear.
Imagine when you forget about one material and you need to recall it. Then, you open your notes which are contained of what you need. Your eyes are looking for the exact material. Fortunately, it’s easier to scan it because you just write important things.
As we know that technology has changed our behavior. Including note-taking. There are some note-taking apps that we can use on the smartphone or tablet.
So, what’s better between traditional and modern ways?
I dare say that the traditional note-taking way by using pen and paper is still more effective than the application, in terms of training our writing muscles.
It’s okay if you want to take a short note on the app. But you need to write using pen and paper for the complex or long-form material. This kind of material should be simplified by using a note-taking method, such as Cornell notes.
Okay. Let me show you.
Cornell notes simplify my note-taking activity. You can see the format in the picture below.
Subject title: write the title.
Main notes column: you can write only important notes in this column during the lecture.
Cue column: you can write keywords or questions about the material after the lecture.
Summary: summarize the material as simply as possible.
What do you think about the method?
You can use it to simplify your notes. Hope it helps.
Reading notes will never be boring again. Note-taking is not copy textbook-taking. It’s better to be simple, clear, and straight to the point. Then, Cornell notes method is one of the simple but effective methods, especially for students.
Do you want to try?
