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Taking Notes

What is the most effective way to take actionable notes?

Start with Pen and Paper. Taking notes by hand promotes reframing the content which assists comprehension and retention.

tip

Start with goal or set a question to answer

Context​

Systemizing Insights​

Organize notes into easily digestible summaries.

Always start on paper. Then map out.

  • Key objectives
  • State changes and influences
  • What core concepts/principles
  • Capture unfamiliar concepts/vocabulary (Record time)
  • Capture topics where elaboration required
  • Write down questions
  • Draw connections

Semantic Tree​

Build a Semantic Tree by first focusing on understanding the trunk and big branches of knowledge so you have a schema for the leaves/details to hang on.

For example; first skim the chapter outlines of book or watch a video on double speed with loose curiosity, when you identify a word or phrase you don't understand write it down but don't dwell on it.

Once you have skimmed though everything quickly (can be multiple times) seek to understand these concepts first when you begin reading or watching content in depth.

Digitalisation​

Digitize paper notes for to evolve your digital knowledge Schema

  • Create a document page(s)
  • Quantify gaps or value in spreadsheets
  • Extract heuristics and make them memorable
  • Create ANKI flashcards refering back to page here

Create digital drawings using standard components to grow and share knowledge.

  1. Convert notes into components
  2. Connect the dots with comments on relationships
  3. Copy components to create different diagrams

Add page for the subject

  • Link page to diagram
  • Link to related concepts that add context
Mantra

The better your notes the faster you'll learn.

Questions​

What is the difference between notes you take and notes you actually use?

  • At what point do better notes become a way of feeling productive without doing the work?
  • Which note-taking habit increases your learning speed — and which one just increases volume?
  • How would your notes look different if their purpose was to be read by you in 5 years?