A Visual Learnerâs Guide to Textbook Note Taking
Read the textbook before taking notes. The purpose of note taking is to synthesize information, not writing every fact that comes your way. Reading the book first allows you to discern what information is useful and what isnât.
Donât take traditional notes. In other words, donât just write your note down the page with bullet points and whatnot. Itâs a good way to organize information (at least, while youâre taking them), but it doesnât make use of spatial memory. And since everything looks the same in rows, itâs harder to pick out specific points so youâd probably be better off just rereading the book.
Make use of space. Donât just write down the margin. Make webs, boxes, bubbles, anything to help you further organize information. By doing it on paper, youâll do it in your head.
Doodle. Seriously, do it. Draw pictures, sketch diagrams, make silly stick figures saying silly things. Itâll give you a sense of context and drawing it out will make you remember it longer.
Use arrows. You probably already do this. It helps flow your notes for your eyes and brain.
If possible, use color. Not only does it make your notes more exciting, but youâll be able to associate and organize information better mentally (e.g. color coding âFerdinandâ and âFrederickâ in AP Euro notes so you donât mix up the two). Itâs preferable to use a color scheme so your page of notes doesnât look as if a unicorn barfed all over it.
Insert personal thoughts. Be weird. Weird things are easier to remember.
