Created by Kamila Klavíková
Make your notes useful again 😁. These notes started as a series of Tweets 🐤. It's me thinking out loud 🤔: how to make them useful, why they are important, what are different options etc.
Helps me process the information more and remember better. Sharp focus and using the information are keys to learning.
Writing and sketching helps me think Thinking face. I take a lot of notes when I solve a problem. If you see it, it is easier to think about it.
Helps me concentrate. No one can write and think about something else. Also, it frees my mind. I don't have to switch between different things. I can focus easier on my work.
I create my own guides, so I don't have to look for resources every time I need them. It saves me time when I do things that I rarely need but are important.
it helps you develop your thoughts and learn better.
That's not necessary. But it comes handy when you create content for other people or want to give recommendations.
I jot down source where I found the information so I can go back. If it's a book, I also write the concrete part I used, i.e., page number, time stamp.
I might get this habit from school because I had to cite resources which I used to create my work since elementary school.
Not all tips might apply in every situation.
Explain the concept using plain language.
Find the smallest example that shows all the properties.
Use pictures. It can explain concept better. Also, it makes notes more interesting.
If I use computer, I might insert a video in my notes.
Once they fulfill their goal, they are tossed.
There is not enough research yet. Some studies have found out that hand-written notes are more beneficial than the digital ones.
But there are many variables that influence the result:
Also, most of the research in learning is focused on school performance. That is different environment than everyday life. Thus, results could differ.
Nobody has not researched yet if there is difference between hand-written notes on paper and on screen. At least, I haven't found any study.
Although research can help us leverage the power of notes, in the end we need to find out ourselves what works for us.
Learning Scientists: New Findings Inform the Laptop versus Longhand Note-Taking Debate
Learning Scientists: How Should Students Take Notes?
It is undeniable that if you write your notes by hand, your brain processes it different way than if you type on keyboard.
When you write on paper you have usually less distractions compared to typing. No social media notifications.
Also, it is easier to sketch on paper than to create diagrams on computer.
You use more motor skills than in typing.
Mixed notes help you leverage benefits of both hand-written and digital note. It's easy to sketch or write math formulas by hand. Digital notes can be easily reorganized and rewritten as needed.
That's a super combo. More tools to express myself!
I wonder how to make mixing hand-written notes, typed notes, videos etc. seamless. Now, it's too much hassle for me.
How have I prepared for math and computer science exams? Math and sketches are quicker done on paper. I scanned the papers, cut them into concepts and created OrgPage from them. Sometimes, I filled gaps or pasted explanatory video.
It is very easy to write long text on keyword, which leads to writing a lot without much thinking.
On the other hand, you can use your notes from anywhere, it is easy to share them and you don't lose them. Also, they are searchable.
Digital notes can be edited over time. That way you can improve your set of notes for years. It is easy to reorganize them as you find new connections and develop your understanding about the topic.
I used to mix notes from various subjects into one OrgPage at university.
Most of the software doesn't reflect that.
http://gordonbrander.com/pattern/capture-organize-synthesize/
Feynman says there are two types of knowledge – knowing something and knowing the name of something.
We often focus on the latter.
If we want to know something it helps that we try to explain concept in simple language so even your grandma could understand it. This what Feynman's method is all about.
Note should be about only one thing. That one thing should be described in its entirety.
If it is too broad, it is harder to understand connections.
If you fragment it too much, it is a huge mess.
It is like modules in programming.