PAPERmaking! g! FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF PAPER TECHNOLOGY ® Volume 9, Number 1, 2023 Pros The advantages of the sentence note-taking method include:
x Uncomplicated way of recording information that stands out x Keeps track of content in a chronological order x Can be converted into any other method post-lecture The sentence method is a spontaneous way to keep notes without the need for advanced preparation. Cons The disadvantages of the sentence note-taking method include: x Doesn’t provide the visual structure that many people need x May be difficult to review later if the material appears disjointed x Not suitable for content with graphs and charts The sentence method is often a last resort when it’s impossible to prepare for a lecture, or the content is too all- over-the-place to slot into any of the above methods. Handwritten vs. digital notes Along with choosing your preferred note- taking method, there’s another key note -taking decision, which is the choice between writing notes by hand or capturing them digitally. For some people, the debate between handwritten and digital notes is contentious, with some learners having a clear preference for one method over another. The choice between handwritten vs. digital notes, like the choice in note-taking method, comes down to what will yield the best results for you. Whether one approach is cleaner or faster is only part of the equation. The priority should be choosing the method that will actually help you learn and retain information better, with the ability to easily review. There are some factors to consider about handwriting notes. Studies have found handwritten notes promote higher retention rates than typing notes on a laptop or tablet. It is also easier to be distracted by other applications when taking notes on a device. However, handwriting notes may prove too time-consuming for a fast-paced lecture. Compared to handwritten notes, digital notes are a fast and clean method for efficient note-taking. They allow you to use additional tools like graphs, charts, and clipped images to better assist your learning, especially if you are a visual learner. However, they may encourage transcription rather than deep learning, as many students focus on typing every word rather than actually paying attention to the content of the lecture. There is also a popular hybrid approach. You can take initial notes by hand, and then transcribe them to a digital version, cleaning them up in the process. This allows you to convert your original handwritten notes into the best note-taking method for the final version. Note-taking tips Regardless of your chosen note-taking strategy, some general note-taking tips apply to everyone. The following note-taking tips can help you take your learning to the next level. Know the content One of the main takeaways from learning about the different note-taking strategies should be that the relationship between the method and the type of content is critical. Certain methods are clearly more suitable for some types of lecture or meeting content. Conversely, some methods are not conducive to certain types of content. Lecture and meeting content is typically either structured or non-structured, meaning you may or may not have a clear outline to follow and build your notes around. In addition to being outlined or not, content can also be conceptual or fact-based. These distinctions will help you choose whether you need a fluid or structured note-taking method. Experiment with note-taking styles Your ultimate goal should be to find the most applicable note- taking method for the type of content you’re dealing with. To discover the best method, you may need to experiment with different styles. By comparing and contrasting the pros and cons of each method, you’ll eventually find the best ap proach for you. Keep in mind that it’s also possible to combine multiple note -taking methods. For instance, you can have one page for terms and facts and another page for mapping ideas and concepts. Applying different note-taking ideas helps you come up with a custom system that you can refine over time.
Article 10 – Note Taking
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