Our Top Note taking Strategies

Note taking Strategy #1 - Start from the outset

Before you begin anymore form of note taking, you must get an overview of the material you are about to consume. Having an overview helps prepare your mind for the incoming information. A receptive mind has a much better chance of integrating with your existing knowledge base.
The best way to get an overview of a subject is to try an answer these questions:

1. What is the main point the material is trying to convey?
2. Why is it important in the regards to the course/subject?
3. Where does it fit in the scheme of you course/subject? - sequence helps establish any prerequisites you might need and it helps you get an idea of things to come.

Note taking Strategy #2 – Develop Questions

If you used strategy #1 , you mind has definitely come up with questions about the material. That's fantastic because it just means your mind is on the hunt for the answers and this can be a useful tool when nottaking. Now that your mind is primed, it will automatically be on the look-out for the juiciest bits of information. So make sure when you do bump into these key points, you log them into your notes straight away. Also remember that as you answer existing questions, new ones will come up so keep an eye out for those answers too.

Note taking Strategy #3: Always Include Your Thoughts.

When you write down your thoughts along with your notes, you begin to personalise the note taking experience enhancing retention. By expressing your own thoughts you not only consume more information, you are also in the process of “using” it, further integrating the material.

Note taking Strategy #4: Use Maps and Diagrams.

You begin really experiencing the phrase “a picture is worth a thousand words” when you learn how to integrate maps and diagrams into your notes. A single diagram can layout an exceptional amount of information onto a single sheet. Map and Diagrams allow you to “see" the information rather than just read it which makes learning so much more visceral. Not to mention that they also engage both sides of your brain which significantly enhances retention and more importantly recall.

Note taking Conclusion

In our opinion, if you begin using the 4 strategies in order for any class or study session and you will begin to see some positive changes not only in your note taking but hopefully in your entire studying experience. If you liked these suggestions and would like some help coming up with more advanced note taking strategies, send us an email here and we’ll be happy to offer more suggestions.

Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.