Hello, guys.
For this video, I wanted to make an update on my note-taking method.
This is actually collab with Meg Thompson also known as Little Study Spot
who is going to teach you how to take your notes on your laptop.
I will link her blog post in the description box below
so be sure to check that and follow her on Tumblr.
First, the basics.
When I'm taking notes, be it's during my lectures or at home,
I always use grid paper, a blue or black big pen,
two highlighters and three colored pens -
two of the same color but in different hues and one in a contrasting color.
Before you start to develop your note-taking method, you need to know the following.
Don't write everything that your professor says.
Focus on the key points and relevant information.
And avoid repeating sentences and keywords often.
Reference your material throughout with quotes, page numbers, and so on.
Use your topics and titles as guidelines for a self-made study guide, and I will explain this further on.
Although this may sound strange,
make an effort to only write your notes once
and saving the extra time for studying them.
My note-taking system uses the Kernel method as the base, but I've added a few personal tweaks.
This method uses a triple division system, just as I'm showing you in the picture.
On the left column, you should write topics or titles of your material.
In the right, you should take your notes per se.
And in the bottom box, you should write a brief summary of that page.
I've used this classic method for some time, but I found a need to change it up.
First of all, I'll remove the summary box.
This happens because my material isn't very adaptable to summarize.
It's perfect if you can keep it, but if you remove it, it won't detract from the method.
Then I use my left column for titles like the classical method,
but I also write quick notes that aren't related to the notes themselves,
like professor's recommendations, articles that I should read on a subject, or reminders.
This left column, as I've said earlier, it's a great automatic study guide.
You can go through your notes and, just by looking these titles,
you can see immediately what you've already studied.
You can even draw a box besides each topics,
so you can check them when you're prepared for a test or an exam.
This method benefits from color coding.
You should write your notes in order to make the most relevant information pop out
as well as highlighting, examples and key points.
I normally highlight my titles in one color,
use one colored pan for my examples and another color for pages, articles and quote references,
and finally a contrasting color for definitions.
I also highlight in yellow any relevant key sentences.
When I'm writing my notes, I like to use the bullet system.
I normally write each sentence in bullet form
and if there's anything that is a direct consequence from what, I've written I will draw an arrow like this.
When I'm changing into another topic, I like to keep at least one blank line between those topics
I use a regular bullet for regular information
and arrow bullets for consequences,
and the squared bullet for examples.
If I have to draw any charts or graphs, I prefer to draw them in sticky notes,
so I can immediately refer to them while I'm studying.
Also, if I mess up, I can always remove the sticky notes and have another try.
I also like to draw a box around the section of my notes that isn't directly relevant to the topic but adds to it.
You can be creative while making your notes standing out.
I normally draw a flag for main titles or sub,
and I highlight the words within the flag.
If you can, you can draw a line that crosses the page to separate different topics
and get your notes a bit more organized.
I normally use flags and small banners if I want to make a portion of my notes stand out,
so I can immediately see when I'm studying at home.
Large sticky notes are great to write information on top of previously written information
whether you need to add examples, references or even correcting something that you've written.
Being creative with your note-taking when you're in class is actually great to retain the information better.
You won't have time to write everything,
and that will make you select important information and concentrate on what your teacher is saying
since you're trying to utilize your information and make that visible in your notes.
Also, if you're afraid of writing slowly, try cursive writing.
The fact that you're writing if the characters joined will make the writing process faster
since you don't have to lift your pen from the paper all the time.
Also, try to understand in which angle you write the fastest.
Personally, I found out that I'm a faster writer when I write everything sliding to the right.
This method has worked wonders for me, but that doesn't mean it has to suit you.
Work around with your notes and be creative.
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Thank you for watching! Bye!