The power of note taking
May 5, 2023
Written by: NIMAVAT ANMOL M, CLASS OF 2024
Taking notes is an important part of the learning process. To take good notes, you need to listen carefully to what the teacher is saying and look at what they are writing or drawing. Try to write down the most important things they say or show, like new words or important ideas. Don’t write everything you listen or see, try to determine what is important enough to write down. You can use words, pictures, or symbols to help you remember things. It is like making a map of what you learn in class. It can help you understand and remember things better.
Formats of Notes
When you take notes, there are different ways you can write them down. These different ways are called formats. · Outline: This format is like making a list, where you write down the most important information first, and then add more details underneath each point. · Mind map: This format is like drawing a picture, where you start with the main idea in the center and draw branches out to different details and sub-topics. · Chart/table: Some people like to take notes in a chart or table format, where they make columns for different categories of information and fill in the details under each one.
There also many different formats, no matter which format you choose, the most important thing is to find one that works best for you and helps you remember the information you need to learn.
Benefits of taking good notes
Memory Benefits
Improves recall. When you take notes, you're forced to think about what the professor is saying and organize it into a coherent whole. This process helps bind information in your memory by making sure that all the pieces fit together properly.
Helps with studying. When you study your notes later on, they act as a guide for what needs further review or clarification; you can look back at them and see where there might be gaps in your understanding that need filling in before moving forward with new material.
It will enhance understanding. Taking notes forces us to pay attention during lectures; if we don't write down what was said, we won't really know what happened during those events until later when we review our notes!
Communication Benefits
Taking notes is a great way to improve your communication skills, as well as your confidence. It helps you think more clearly and speak more confidently, which can make you feel more comfortable in social situations. You'll be able to recall information better because of the way that note taking forces you to organize and structure your thoughts before speaking them out loud. This is especially helpful if you're not an extrovert who's used to talking about yourself or sharing personal stories with others on a regular basis!.
Creative Benefits
Taking notes is a great way to encourage creativity and critical thinking. It also helps develop problem solving skills, as you have to figure out how best to organize your thoughts in order for them to make sense on paper or on screen.
Career Benefits
Improves job performance.
Increases employability.
Helps to build a professional network.
Organizational Benefits
Helps organize information.
Saves time and enhances understanding.
Time Management Benefits
Improves focus.
Increases productivity.
Helps prioritise tasks.
Social Benefits
Taking notes is a great way to improve your own understanding of the material, but it can also help you collaborate with others. If you're in a group setting, like a class or team meeting, taking notes together helps everyone stay on the same page and learn from each other's perspectives. It encourages teamwork and builds relationships between classmates .
Conclusion
You can take notes on anything you're interested in and need to remember. · It's easy to share your notes with others and collaborate with them on projects. If you are not taking notes, it is definitely worth giving it a try. Experiment with different notetaking techniques and find a method that works best for you. With practice, you can achieve academic success.