The most effective tool for learning is also the most overlooked — taking notes.
We often assume that we should take notes so we can refer to them later. That is NOT the best reason, especially in today’s age when ChatGPT can summarize things and digital resources are aplenty.
The main reason to take notes is we learn best not by reading things, but by recalling them.
When we read something, it creates a small groove in the brain. But when we recall that groove becomes really deep. And the goal of note-taking is to force that recall.
Another mistake is to make note-taking too complicated or fancy.
During my exam preps, I would throw away the notes right after making them because they were illegible. And still, note-taking was the most valuable thing I did.
Some people may use the notes for reference and that’s a valid objective too — I also do that when researching topics for my startup.
Here is a simple way to take notes for effective learning:
Every 5-10 minutes, summarize the key points from what you just read in a few short sentences. If your brain fumbles, as it often will, reread and try summarizing again.
Repeat until you get it.
This way of learning is slow. Yet, it is also the fastest way.
– Rajan