Revolutionize Your Learning with “How to Take Smart Notes”

Are you tired of taking notes that you never look at again? Do you find yourself struggling to remember information from your reading and research? As an IB student, taking effective notes is essential for success in the rigorous academic program. “How to Take Smart Notes” by Sönke Ahrens can be especially beneficial for IB students who are juggling multiple subjects and need to keep track of a large amount of information.

The 8 Steps of Taking Smart Notes: 

1. Make fleeting notes
2. Make literature notes
3. Make permanent notes
4. Now add your new permanent notes to the slip-box
5. Develop your topics, questions and research projects bottom up from within the slip-box
6. Decide on a topic to write about from within the slip-box
7. Turn your notes into a rough draft
8. Edit and proofread your manuscript

Key Principles of Taking Smart Notes

Effective writing does not start with a blank page

Most IB students who find writing difficult are haunted by a common misconception, which is the idea of a blank page. In fact, note-taking is the foundation of effective writing. By taking notes every day, we can build a repository of ideas and insights that will serve as the foundation for our writing. Writing and organizing notes is itself the process of writing, and good writing is based on proper note-taking techniques.

Writing without planning

The traditional approach to writing, involving detailed planning beforehand, can lead to frustration and loss of motivation. Open-ended tasks like research and reflection can produce unexpected insights, and the linear structure of a plan can hinder this natural process. The circular framework of the index card method allows for flexibility and creativity, making writing a joy when approached with an open and flexible mindset.

Understanding is more important than memorization

True learning involves linking knowledge together, not just storing it in isolation. Modern science confirms that learning is facilitated when the brain has more interconnected information, allowing new knowledge to be linked to existing knowledge. By understanding and linking knowledge in note-taking, one becomes a different person, asking questions with new facts and experiences, and thinking in new ways. With the correct learning approach of understanding and linking knowledge, one can learn faster and better with age.

Develop ideas but not collect them

Writer had a unique way of reading and note-taking. Instead of underlining or writing in the margins, he wrote down his thoughts on separate paper. When recording new ideas, he advised writing a simple explanation in one’s own words, rather than just copying the original text. Using this method, temporary notes are converted into Permanent Notes and linked to other notes. 

Following your interests

Writing is not just about sitting down and typing out paragraphs. It starts with absorbing material that interests you and taking notes. Following your interests is the key to sustained success in learning and work. Luhmann only wrote what came easily to him and would switch to something else if he got stuck.