Issues with Note Taking

We have been taking notes since school. But if we stop and think, these notes are mostly used to pass an exam. We take extensive notes and just review them before the exams. This is Rote learning, no actual learning is happening here.

We will not be able to solve any problems using this. Taking notes can sometimes give a false sense of mastery over a topic. So lets delve into this subject and see what can be done:

Why Note-Taking Might Feel Ineffective

  1. Passive vs. Active Learning: Simply writing things down can feel productive but might not always translate to deeper understanding. This is because note-taking is often a passive activity, whereas true learning involves active engagement, like problem-solving or teaching the concept to someone else.

  2. Illusion of Mastery: The act of taking notes can trick our brain into thinking we’ve learned something just because we’ve written it down. However, without regular review or application, this information tends to fade quickly from memory.

  3. Lack of Application: For example if we are learning to code, doing it (like actual coding) solidifies knowledge far better than reading or writing about it. Notes might serve as a good reference, but they can’t replace hands-on practice.

Balancing Note-Taking with Active Learning

  1. Focus on Active Recall: Instead of taking extensive notes, try using techniques like flashcards, mind maps, or summarizing what you’ve learned from memory. This forces you to actively engage with the material and strengthens retention.

  2. Hands-On Practice: Especially for skills like programming, direct application is key. Write code, build projects, and solve problems. Use your notes as a quick reference, not the main study tool.

  3. Reflective Summaries: After learning something new, try writing a short summary from memory. This combines active recall with note-taking. The idea is to capture the essence of what you’ve learned, not to document every detail.

  4. Periodic Reviews: If you want to keep long-term notes, consider using a spaced repetition system (SRS) where you review important concepts at spaced intervals. This way, your notes support retention rather than just accumulating dust.

  5. Notes as a Tool, Not a Goal: Treat note-taking as a supplementary tool rather than the primary focus. Use it for brainstorming, organizing ideas, or clarifying thoughts. But prioritize activities that directly enhance learning, like projects, coding exercises, or teaching concepts to others.

Approach

Using notes for brainstorming and daily reflections aligns better for learning. Shifting focus towards learning by doing and using notes for short, impactful reflections can bring back a sense of productivity and learning satisfaction