How to take smart notes

While there is dozens number of stories and blogs just on the general topic of writing, relatively few focus on note-taking—may be because many people don’t recognize how poor they are at it, or possibly because many people don’t realize how bad they are at it. Don’t worry we got you covered, below are some tricks and tips to help you through your NEET/JEE or Olympiad preparations.  NEET Previous Year Question Papers

Techniques for taking Smart notes

THE CORNELL METHOD

The Cornell note-taking approach aids in the organization of class notes into consumable summaries. Because the key points, specifics, study cues, and synopsis are all documented in one place, this method is effective.

ADVANTAGES:

• The notes are well-organized, concise, and simple to review.
• It enables you to extract essential ideas and concepts.

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

The document is divided into three sections: a left-hand 2.5″ margin, a bottom-right 2″ summary portion, and a major 6″ in-class note part.

1. Take notes in the main notes section during class.
2. Review your notes in the cues section. Make a list of items you’ll need to remember after class, along with a prompt for each. This area can also be used for vocabulary and study questions.
3. Make a report of your notes in the summary section at the bottom. That’s how you’ll emphasize the most important points.

THE MAPPING METHOD

The Mapping note-taking technique organizes your class notes more visually. When learning regarding interconnections between topics, this technique comes in handy.

ADVANTAGES:

• Good for visual learners who have trouble memorizing notes.
• It aids in the recall of information and the formation of connections between themes.

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

The website is divided into sections based on the subject. The primary issues are divided into subtopics, each with thorough information.

HOW DO YOU USE IT?

1. Begin the mapping with the central issue while in class.
2. Write a header at each of the sub-topics that branches off the primary theme.
3. Under each subtopic, jot down any significant notes.
4. Carry on the pattern.

THE OUTLINING METHOD

Topics are organized using headings as well as bullet points in the Outlining note-taking approach. When studying topics with a lot of depth, this strategy comes in handy.

ADVANTAGES:

• Allows for the orderly organization of notes.
• The connections between subjects and subtopics are obvious.
• Turning points into a research questionnaire is simple.

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

Each section begins with the main topic’s heading. Each subtopic, as well as any supporting information, is written beneath the appropriate heading.

HOW DO YOU USE IT?

1. Start your notes with only one bullet point and the main topic during a lesson.
2. Put the first subsection below it, slightly indented to the right.
3. List additional details below and to the right of your headline.

THE CHARTING METHOD

Columns are used to organize information in the charting note-taking method. This strategy is appropriate for lessons that have a large number of facts or connections between topics.

ADVANTAGES:

• The facts are well-organized and simple to comprehend.
• Each topic’s most important details are highlighted.

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

The page is divided into columns, each of which is labeled with a category. In the rows below, the specifics of each category are filled in.

HOW DO YOU USE IT?

1. When details regarding a category are mentioned, note them down in the appropriate column.
2. When the next topic starts, go down another row and start over.

THE SENTENCE METHOD

Simply write each topic as a jot note sentence when using the Sentence note-taking approach. This strategy works effectively in fast-paced classes with a lot of material to cover.

ADVANTAGES:

• Making a list of essential points can assist you to figure out what information is relevant and what isn’t.
• You can swiftly cover a lot of material and details.
• For study and review, notes are simplified.

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

Every paragraph on the page represents a fresh and distinct subject. You can just use titles for each primary topic to further organize your notes.

HOW DO YOU USE IT?

1. Make a list of the key points that the teacher has emphasized. This can be in the form of a statement or a list of bullet points.
2. For each new detail, create a second sentence or point.
3. To organize your points by primary topics, use headings.

The golden rule

Don’t bury your notes in a drawer, never to be seen again. Whatever method you use, make sure to review and organize your notes as soon as possible. According to studies, those who do not review will lose 40% of what they learned during the first 24 hours and 60% after 48 hours.

How do I take better Smart notes?

• Rep after rep after rep after rep after rep after rep after rep after rep after rep after rep after rep after rep Preparing for an exam through cramming does not work. What is the value of evaluating your materials frequently?
• Because visuals are simpler to remember than words, draw a graphic if you’re short on time.
• If you want to color code, don’t do it during early note-taking.
• Make short sentences and to the point.
• Use abbreviations and icons to save time.
• Make up the terms that have meaning for you.
• As a beginning point and a technique to educate yourself with the issue, consult your teacher’s notes or your textbook. But don’t forget to use your note-taking approach as well.
• If there’s something you don’t understand, write questions to yourself. Don’t just skim over it and hope you’ll figure it out later.
• Don’t try to jot down everything. You’ll be inundated with information. It’s preferable to be involved and have a method in place for recording the major topics.

How to listen and take Smart notes at the same time

Listening actively is a skill. Before class, read the offered information, make sure you’re situated somewhere you won’t be distracted, and have your favorite note-taking structure ready. Also, pay attention to your teacher’s body language, listen intently if they repeat a point, and take notes if they write anything on the board or their slides.

Some steps of Taking Smart Notes

MAKE FLEETING SMART NOTES

The term “fleeting notes” refers to brief, scribbled notes on any concept or idea that comes to mind. They don’t have to be, and shouldn’t be, very organized. They’re not meant to record every aspect of a concept, but rather to serve as reminders of what’s on your mind.

MAKE LITERATURE NOTES

The “literary note” is the second sort of note. As you read, make a list of the important topics you don’t want to miss or that you think you could utilize in your work on index cards.

1. Be very picky about what you chose to keep.
2. Keep the note’s overall length to a minimum.
3. Rather than copying statements literally, use your own words.
4. Make a note of the source’s bibliographic information.

MAKE PERMANENT Smart Notes

Permanent notes, which make up long-term knowledge, are the third sort of note. This phase begins with a review of the first two types of notes you’ve made: ephemeral and literature notes. Consider how they connect to your studies, current thoughts, or hobbies as you read through them. Simply glance at the existing themes if you need help refreshing your memory, as they already contain only items that interest you.

As though you’re writing for someone else, write these permanent remarks. That is, utilize whole sentences, cite your sources, give clear references, and attempt to be as exact and concise as possible.

Be both Focused and Flexible

Begin by focusing on one task at a time (rather than multitasking), paying attention to the task at hand with the appropriate style of attention, and flexibly taking the necessary action for your circumstance.

Understand and Internalize What You Read

Consistently read with a pen in hand, have an open mind, look at things from different angles, and describe things in your own words.

Take Smart Notes

Don’t take everything you read at face value. Use the method outlined above to think about what you’re reading, capture your insights, externalize your ideas, and track your progress by the number of notes you write each day.

Assemble and Share your Insights

Avoid brainstorming for a topic because your brain will only bring out the most recent or readily available thoughts. Allow the contents of your slip-box to serve as a guide: Examine your materials and begin by defining your subjects from the bottom up. Collect pertinent notes on a topic, paste them into a draught document, and begin organizing, expanding, or testing out ideas.

Phew! What’s new with you? Good? That was a lot of information.

We could spend all day discussing notes and note-taking strategies. The most important thing to remember is that taking notes is a talent. Everyone’s brain functions in a unique way, therefore what works for me may not necessarily work for you. Take lots of notes, try new things, and figure out what you prefer.