In a previous post, I discussed different ways to read more critically. Part of this is becoming a great notetaker. Note-taking whilst listening or reading has enormous benefits. The act of writing stuff down makes it much easier to retain information. There’s much greater engagement with the content or subject matter. It encourages you to reflect as you read. It helps make the subject matter your own. It keeps you focused.
Whenever I’m teaching in front of a classroom I observe a variety of note-taking approaches. Some people sit there and write nothing. Others are scribbling non-stop. A few grab their pens intermittently. There’s no consistency.
So how do you get better at note-taking? Here are a few suggestions.
Tip 1 Choose the Right Tools
Choose pens and notebooks that you love using. I’m a fan of the Pilot V-5 Hi-Tecpoint extra fine pens and the Moo Notebooks. I also have a soft spot for anything from Muji or Moleskine. If it gives you pleasure, you’ll take more notes. If they’re valuable, you’ll look after them. Recently someone told me how writing on a tablet was a ‘game changer’. He took more notes. He organised them better. He always knew where they were. Carry your tools around with you. Great thoughts come to you at strange times.
Tip 2 Paraphrase
Don’t try to copy or replicate whole sentences or entire passages from documents. Unless you’re looking to use them as verbatim quotes. It takes too long and your notes become unwieldy. You’ll fill up pages and pages. They’ll take ages to read. Plus you may start to plagiarise.
Instead, use your own words. This way, you’ll start to take greater ownership of the content. it goes without saying but write legibly so you can make sense of them afterward. Scrawling badly written notes is a false economy if you struggle to read them.
Tip 3 Create Analysis Frameworks
Use a consistent format for capturing thoughts from different sources. Include the date, source, title, and author at the top. Choose specific headings that you find useful. For example ‘Key Arguments’, ‘Evidence’, and ‘Big Insights’. You’ll then be able to weigh up differing points of view. Or create a matrix with your different ‘Questions’ written in each column on the top and ‘Sources’ on the left. Then fill in the findings as you come across them in the appropriate boxes.
If you’re working on a significant project, use big sheets of paper. This way you can spread out your notes, see patterns or display them on a wall.
Tip 4 Use Colour
Create your colour coding system. You could choose red for key data points, green for actions, and blue for ideas. Or just colour to break up the monotony of the text. Use colour to signpost the headlines or key conclusions. Alternatively, use coloured post-it notes to help structure and divide up your notes. Don’t make your system too complicated - choose 3-4 colours maximum. It will make your notes easier to read and easier to navigate.
Tip 5 Use Symbols
Create your visual shorthand. For example. Arguments you agree with - put ticks/smiley faces. Arguments you disagree with - put crosses. Sections you love - put hearts. Take inspiration from the world of emojis, but most importantly - make them your own. It also makes the process of note-taking much more playful and enjoyable.
Tip 6 Visualise Your Notes
You don’t have to create long blocks of text. Make your notes visually engaging. Create a style that works for you.
One approach is to use mind mapping. It’s a way of laying out information visually. It shows the connections between thoughts and ideas. Create your style. Some people love capturing notes via mind maps as it breaks up the monotony of capturing information in a linear format. Plus you can find information rapidly. The downside is, it can get messy. To find out more, read the work of Tony Buzan.
So to summarise
Great note-taking is an invaluable part of becoming a great critical thinker. It’s important when you’re doing your desk research. Or when you’re reflecting on what’s being said in a classroom setting or a meeting. Use these tips to develop a style and approach that suits you best. This way, you’ll be able to retain, reflect, learn and create more effectively.