I absolutely love taking notes, it’s one of the most important skills to have as a student and it’s something that can be applied to any aspect of life. However, it took me a while to figure out what kind of note taker I am. Luckily, I stumbled upon this amazing article that breaks down different methods of note taking and how to find the best one for you! Let’s start with the basics: why take notes? Well, for starters, it helps you retain information better. When we take notes, we’re engaging with the material in a more active way and processing it in real time. It also helps us stay organized and prepared for exams or assignments. Plus, having good notes can be a lifesaver when it comes time to study for finals. Now, onto the different types of note taking. The article I found breaks it down into three main categories: linear, non-linear, and visual. Linear note taking is probably what you’re most familiar with. It’s a straightforward method where you write out notes in a chronological order, typically in the form of bullets or outlines. This is a great method for lectures or presentations where the material is more straightforward. To make your linear notes even better, try using abbreviations or symbols to save time and space. Non-linear note taking, on the other hand, is a bit more creative. Instead of organizing information in a linear way, you create a visual representation of the material. This can take many forms, such as brainstorming bubbles, mind maps, or diagrams. Non-linear note taking is best for classes or subjects that have more abstract concepts or ideas that need to be connected in a unique way. Lastly, there’s visual note taking. This is a method that combines both the linear and non-linear approaches, but adds even more creativity. With visual note taking, you’re essentially creating a work of art that represents the information you’re trying to learn. This can include drawings, sketches, and even color coding. Visual note taking is great for classes or topics that are more visually oriented, like art history or biology. Now that we’ve covered the different types of note taking, how do you know which one is best for you? It all comes down to your learning style and preferences. For example, if you’re a more visual learner, then non-linear or visual note taking might be best. If you prefer reading and writing, then linear note taking might be more your style. Personally, I’ve always been a fan of the linear approach. I like having everything organized in a clear and concise way. However, I’ve found that adding in a few visual elements, like diagrams or graphs, helps me better understand the material. No matter what kind of notes you take, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, always try to be as concise as possible. You don’t want to spend all your time copying down every little detail, especially if it’s not relevant to the topic at hand. Instead, focus on the main ideas and key takeaways. Second, make sure your notes are easy to read and understand. This might mean using different fonts or highlighting important information. The last thing you want is to look back at your notes and not be able to decipher what you wrote. Lastly, it’s important to review your notes regularly. This could mean going over them right after class or taking a few minutes each day to review what you’ve learned. Regular review will help retention and make studying for exams much easier in the long run. Overall, note taking is a skill that takes time and practice to master. But with the right approach and some dedication, you’ll be a note-taking pro in no time!
