It is a common saying that “ the dullest pencil is better than the sharpest memory”. To understand this better, that is why a topic like THE ART OF EFFECTIVE NOTE TAKING is very useful.
Before we dive in?
WHAT EXACTLY IS NOTE TAKING?
Note-taking (sometimes written as note-taking or note taking) is the practice of recording information from different sources and platforms. By taking notes, the writer records the essence of the information, freeing their mind from having to recall everything. Notes are commonly drawn from a transient source, such as an oral discussion at a meeting, or a lecture (notes of a meeting are usually called minutes), in which case the notes may be the only record of the event. Since the advent of writing and literacy, notes traditionally were almost always handwritten(often in notebooks), but the introduction of notetaking software has made digital notetaking possible and widespread. Note-taking is a foundational skill in personal knowledge management.
In other words, Note taking is an act of recording information from another source, in order to retain and remember this information whenever it is to be put in use.
Taking effective notes is always helpful when it comes to reading, listening, studying and retaining information. As a student, effective note taking helps to capture and retain key informations during lectures and tutorials which can help attain academic success.
Strategies For The Art Of Effective Note Taking
01. Be Organized:
Organization before you start taking notes is very important. Make sure that all the necessary materials such as handouts, textbooks, and journals are together. Also, have a clear workspace. This will help you locate information faster when you need it.
02. Be an active listener:
Listen attentively during lectures or discussions, so that you can identify the key points and also, comprehend the main ideas. However Do not forget that your note as a summary of all the information and not a word-for-word transcript.
03. Use Cornell Method:
Cornell Method is a popular note taking method that helps to actively engage your materials and it also makes reviewing your notes easy. Also, It is done by dividing your paper into three sections: a small left column, a wider right column and a bottom section. In the left section, you jot there key subjects or questions. Although In the right column, jot down details and explanations. While in the bottom section, summarize the main points of the page you are reading.
04. Review and Revise:
After reading or listening to the discussion, take out time to review and revise your notes. This will however help you to fill in any gaps you left while writing and also, add necessary additional information.
05. Digital Note-Taking:
You can decide to take notes digitally, moreover if that is your preference. There are lots of applications and software available to achieve that. With features like highlighting, annotating and many more.
Conclusion
Note taking is not just a secret weapon that will help you absorb information better, organize your thoughts, and perform excellently well in examinations. It also a practice that will help you retain and remember information whenever it is needed.
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