A Note Taking Method I’m Applying to Learning

Just to be clear, I only use this method when taking notes during lectures, especially the first time I’m watching or listening. I don’t use it when reading books; my approach to reading is completely different.

For example, since I’m brushing up on Psychology, I’ve been watching Paul Bloom’s Introduction to Psychology lectures from Yale on YouTube (a 20-lecture playlist). At the same time, because I’m also learning about Deep Learning, I’ve been binging MIT’s 6.S191: Introduction to Deep Learning lectures taught by Alexander Amini.

Now, here’s how I approach note-taking for lectures: I don’t like taking extensive notes the first time around because I find it distracts me from actually listening. My goal in a lecture is always to really listen and understand, that’s how I learn best. So instead of filling pages with notes, I only write down questions that pop into my mind while listening.

Those questions could be anything, a new word the lecturer uses, a point I don’t fully understand, or just something interesting I want to explore later. But the rule is simple, it has to be a question. Then, afterward, I go back and try to answer each question, either through research or further study. This process helps me learn more quickly and deeply.

So, the note-taking method I use for lectures or audio material is this: I only write down questions. It’s surprisingly effective. I came up with it while reflecting on how to make lectures work for me as a busy adult who wants to learn quickly, efficiently, and deeply.

I wonder what works for you!