by Hello to everyone!
It has been a while since my latest blog, and I’m all set and ready to draft today’s away. So today’s topic has to do with the difference between taking notes in college (or anywhere for that matter – this is just a college blog) and making notes. Well, as the words suggest, the one focuses on keeping notes for something that is being said (a lecture for example) while the other ones has to do with making up your own material for studying purposes.
Actually, both types of “notes” are used for studying purposes. However in one case, you are basically using quoted material from someone else, while in the approach #2 you gather a bunch of information from different sources and make something new.
So when it comes to studying or preparing for studies, what approach should one prefer? One could argue that taking notes is better because you are using information directly from the qualified person giving the lecture and the one who most likely will decide the questions you will be called to answer during the test. Others will suggest that it’s better to find a bunch of other books that have the information you are looking for, and phrase it in your own unique way and a way that will help you understand it when you study.
You know the answer to the above dilemma: at the end of the day, it really is up to you. Are you the type of person that can’t trust himself with making notes? Then of course you will rely on the professor and take notes. Are you the type of person that wants to learn and seek for more information, on top of what is being taught in school? Then I congratulate you for that interest, and you are welcome to use approach #2.
The truth is, it’s always better to want to extend knowledge. How do you think all these books have come together? Are all of these creations from scratch without any references? Of course not! If you got at the ending pages of a scholar book, you will see the different sources the Author was inspired from to put together this information. Most books, are a collection of passages from other books being put well together. I am not suggesting of course that making notes will help you create a book, but it will at least give you a well rounded approach to knowledge, which will improve your critical thinking. Many people just memorize material, just to pass the test. But when you actually understand and live and breath the material then…it’s magic.
Of course not everyone can do this, and nor do I suggest everyone makes their own notes. If you aren’t qualified and haven’t had the experience in doing something like that, it can be a very risky thing for you to do. Main reason is because you can include a bunch of junk information which will only confuse you and lead you down rabbit holes. But as with everything, there is always a start and always a time when it’s a “good time” to start learning something new. Making your own notes is something that will carry you in success for a long time. Whether you are in business meetings, trying to put together information, or you are in some kind of conference, being able to communicate the message that is just flowing in the air, is an essential skill that will help you greatly.
If you have any questions on how to start learning this new skill-set, please let me know. As I have said over and over again, the whole purpose of this blog is to try and help as much people as possible that are either studying this very moment, or are preparing themselves for college.
I look forward to seeing you in upcoming posts. Come back later today, as there will be at least one more blog posted.
