Taking notes may sound like a mundane task, but it’s a skill that can truly elevate your learning, organization, and productivity. When done right, note-taking becomes more than jotting down words; it’s the art of capturing knowledge and emotions. So, let’s delve into the techniques of note taking/making and discover the beauty in this seemingly simple act.
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1. Active Listening
Before your pen even touches the paper, engage your heart and mind. Listen actively, not just with your ears, but with your soul. This is where the emotional tone of note-taking begins. When you’re emotionally present, you absorb not only the words but also the passion and the essence of what’s being shared.
2. Embrace Your Unique Style
Note-taking is as individual as your fingerprint. Some prefer linear notes, while others may doodle or create mind maps. Embrace your unique style, for it’s the artistic expression of your understanding. Your notes should speak to you in a language that resonates with your heart.
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3. Capture Key Ideas
Jot down key ideas, not everything verbatim. Let the emotional essence of the message guide you. Look for the ‘aha’ moments, the impactful quotes, and the insights that tug at your heart. These are the treasures in your notes.
4. Use Visuals
Incorporate visuals, if they resonate with you. Sketch a diagram, add illustrations, or underline with fervour. Visuals can evoke emotions and make your notes more vivid and memorable.
5. Organisation with Headings and Bullets
Organise your notes with headings and bullet points. The structure creates a visual rhythm, making it easier to find what you need later. It’s like composing a piece of music with well-defined movements.
6. Highlight with Purpose
Use colours or highlighters purposefully. Colour can infuse your notes with emotions. Highlight what strikes a chord in your heart, the passages that make you feel something profound.
7. Space for Reflection
Leave space for reflections. This is where you pour your own emotions and thoughts into the notes. Ask questions, make connections to what you already know, and explore your feelings about the subject matter.
8. Summarise in Your Own Words
After the lecture or reading, summarize the key points in your own words. This is where your emotions and understanding merge to create a personal narrative. Your notes should tell the story of your learning journey.
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9. Review and Revise
Return to your notes regularly. This is where the beauty of growth and change comes into play. You may find that your notes evoke different emotions as you revisit them, and your understanding deepens.
10. Share and Connect
Finally, share your notes and connect with others. Sharing knowledge is a profoundly emotional act. It’s where your notes become part of a collective narrative, contributing to the symphony of human learning.
Note-taking is more than scribbles on paper; it’s the emotional tapestry of your learning and understanding. Each note is a stroke of your own unique brush, creating a masterpiece of knowledge and wisdom. So, let your notes be the canvas on which your emotions and intellect dance in harmony.
The techniques of note taking/making
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