Introduction: Productivity: How is Your Note-Taking?
How is your note taking?
To remember more of what you read and learn, it is important to find a note taking system that works best for you. Taking effective notes saves you time. But how can you decide what note-taking system is best for your needs, if you do not know what options you have?
I have done a three-part series on note-taking. But decided to revisit – after reading “5 Reasons You Should Take Notes with OneNote Anywhere” by Joel Lee, staff writer for MakeUseOf. It is such an important topic. These days, to excel in your career, you have to find ways to continually update your skills and acquire new ones.
However, to be able to apply this newfound knowledge, you have to take effective notes that you can review from time to time. And you can only connect the dots after the fact. It is when you are reviewing your notes that you are likely to glean insights.
Related: 5 Reasons You Should Take Notes with OneNote Anywhere
Curated Articles: How is Your Note Taking?
The Ultimate Guide to Note-Taking: In this detailed article on note-taking, the writer, Kate Matsudaira, offers information on the various forms of note-taking. You will find one that works for you. Included: Outline/List; SQ3R (Survey, Question, Read, Recite, and Review); Visual; and Diagrams and Processes.
Fast Company Note-Taking Just Became Easier with Google’s New Voice Transcription Tool: Google has updated Docs. It introduced features that should help students be more productive and efficient. While Office has a lock on the enterprise market, Google Docs is extremely popular among students due to its price tag. Introducing these features is a savvy business move to secure its core audience.
Taking Notes: Is The Pen Still Mightier Than the Keyboard?: This article refers to study on note taking, which I have referenced on this blog before. You remember more of what you learn when you take notes by hand. When you take notes on your computer, you tend to write down word-for-word. Taking notes by hand forces you to reinterpret what you are hear or read.
How to Take Effective Notes: This article by Belle Cooper highlights many of the benefits of taking good notes. Have context to your note-taking and keep it organized.
The Best Resources On Effective Note-Taking Strategies – Help Me Find More: The writer, Larry Ferlazzo, shares some resources on note-taking. He also makes a request for readers to add more.
Evolution of Note Taking: New Form: The writer demonstrates how her note-taking techniques have evolved over more than a decade.
Thoughts So Far on What You Have Read on Note Taking
Harvard Business Review What You Miss When You Take Notes on Your Laptop: This Harvard Business Review article by Maggy McGloin references that famous study. She adds that it’s important to focus on what you are writing and what you are actually hearing. When you do this, your notes will reflect your interpretation of what you heard, which allows you to remember more.
TWO WRITING TEACHERS Launching a Year of Meaningful Note-Taking: This article is from the perspective of a teacher. The ideas in will enable you take better notes.
Business Insider Richard Branson attributes some of his most successful companies to the art of note taking: Nearly everyone knows about Richard Branson. He has had mega success running many businesses. Branson attributes his success to taking notes. But he doesn’t just simply take notes, he rereads them, and transforms them into actionable and measurable goals.
Do You Take Note for School or Work?
Jerz's Literacy Weblog (est. 1999) Taking Notes: 5 College Success Tips: This is a five step process to note-taking in college. Go to class prepared; Improve your listening skills; and Develop a note-taking method that works for you. Also, Pay close attention to the content; and Review and edit your notes. Additionally, even if you are not in college, you can benefit from the tips and ideas in the article. The last item in the process is reviewing and editing your notes. This is key to remembering more of what you learned. So, do what billionaire, Richard Branson does,which is to turn the notes you take in actionable items.
Teen Vogue The Very Best Note-Taking Tips, Tricks, and Tools: This article is geared toward students. But there are useful note-taking information for anyone. The article also includes digital tools for better note-taking.
LifeHack Why People Who Take Notes All the Time Are More Likely To Be Successful: This article highlights the benefit of note-taking and how to get the most from it. Effective note-taking forces you to focus on what you are hearing and reading. This allows you to reinterpret the information in your own words. And you remember more of the information.
Videos: How is Your Note Taking?
Best Note-Taking Method! + Tips on Color Coordinating
How to Take Notes in Class: The 5 Best Methods – College Info Geek
The Invisible Mentor Posts on Note Taking
Better Note-Taking: Learning to Abbreviate Words
Tips on Note-taking: The Art of Writing While Listening
To Remember More of What You Read, Take Notes by Hand
Related Note Taking Articles
Today’s 5 Smart Note Taking Apps
Final Thoughts: Productivity: How is Your Note-Taking?
Taking excellent notes is important. But what you do with the notes is even more important. To get the most from your note-taking, review your notes the same day. After that turn your notes into actionable items. If you take notes while reading a book, think of ways that you can apply the information personally and professionally. Once a month, connect the ideas from one book to the next. Create a newsletter, summarizing key information that would be of benefit to your target audience.
