Note Taking and Note Making
Note-taking is the act of capturing information and knowledge
that comes from the outside world. That is, we take notes,
either verbatim or using our own words, to store what others
have expressed.
Note-taking is an activity that can be performed anywhere, at
any time. Whenever we read, see, or hear something
interesting, we can take notes about it. We can take notes
during a course, a meeting, while watching a presentation, a
YouTube video, or while reading a non-fiction book, among
other situations.
While note-taking is mostly focused on what comes from the
outside, note-making is about expressing and capturing what
comes from within. It's about expressing our own thoughts,
ideas, and opinions. It's about finding and using our voice
through writing.
Note-making is also a powerful way to think. When we sit
down to give form to our thoughts, we actually dig deeper
within ourselves to find out what we really think and believe.
We put words on emotions, subtle ideas, and impressions. We
explore the connections and relationships between ideas and
concepts.
Note-making is thus a way to express ourselves. It's raw
creativity, just like drawing, painting, or taking photographs.
Note-makers, writers, and authors are the same. Some write to
make a living. Some write because they want to grow, change
the world, leave their mark, and touch or influence people. Yet
other ones just do it for fun. There are probably as many
reasons to make notes as there are people alive. But all of
those who do write have a strong need to express themselves.
Differences between note-taking and note-making
Language: When you’re first exposed to new ideas or
knowledge, you record a key idea with note-taking. With note-
making, you rephrase the original idea in your own words. In
other words, note-making is all about your own wording, while
note-taking comes straight from the source.
Speed: Often, note-taking is speedier than note-making, as
you’re just recording your real-time thoughts. It usually takes
more time to write something your own way than to type
someone else’s words.
Issues-related: Each of these types of notes comes with its own
baggage. For example, note-taking might be more efficient, but
your notes can be tougher to remember. Similarly, your notes
might last longer in your mind, but note-making can be less
practical in a fast-paced setting.
Definition: Note-taking and note-making have two different
names for a reason – they’re, by definition, different from each
other. Note-taking starts with jotting down others’ ideas, and
note-making is all about what you actively create after that.
Nature: Note-taking requires more active listening, while note-
making requires more active engagement. Note-taking can
come in handy when you’re listening to someone speak, while
note-making is better suited for reading.
Note-making methods
Linear method
One popular note-making method is the linear method. You
might not know it yet, but this is probably one of the first
images that pop into your head when you think about notes.
The linear method involves vertical lists with headers,
subheaders, and lots of bullet points. Think of it as a cut-and-
dry way of organizing your rephrased thoughts.
2. Zettelkasten method
Another effective note-making strategy is the Zettelkasten
method. The brainchild of German sociologist Dr. Niklas
Luhmann, this method involves writing your notes on "Zettel"
or "slips" on index cards or their equivalents. Each slip contains
a single idea or concept and is then organized to connect
related ideas. This can help aid understanding of complex topics
and encourage active listening and engagement.
3. Digital gardening
For a more long-term and metaphorical approach to note-
making, consider Digital Gardening. It involves “planting seeds”
of curiosity through writing down key information, “growing
trees” by learning about your seeds, and “harvesting fruits” by
developing new insights. This note-making approach is very
visual and creative, so it may best suit a visual learner.
4. Mind mapping
Mind mapping is a visual and free-associative method of note-
making. You’ll place your main topic in the center of the page
and expand outward with related ideas, both literally and
figuratively. If you have a hard time coming up with new ideas,
give this method or some other brainstorming techniques a try.
This method is perfect for tackling complex issues or when you
need to come up with and explore new ideas freely.
5 Methods for effective note-taking
Note-making might not always be appropriate, so you should
also know when and how to use note-taking strategies. Here
are some tips for better note-taking.
1. Choose a method
There are many note-taking methods to choose from—the right
one depends on your priorities. Cornell notes might be the best
note method if you like to see big-picture points before going
deeper. This format features a “notes” column for gut
reactions, a “cue” column for the most important stuff, and a
summary section to wrap it up.
If your source already organizes the main ideas for you, you
might reach for guided notes instead. In this style, your source’s
preexisting categories, such as sub headers from an article or
presentation slides, become your notes template. If you’re a
traditionalist when it comes to taking notes, give outlining—the
highly popular method of bullet-listing the key points—a shot.
Choose whatever method works best for you—the note-taking
world is your oyster.
2. Cut out distractions
Only you know your preferred working environment. Some
people thrive off the bustling energy of a coffee shop, while
others prefer to hole up and work in silence. Whatever rings
true for you, ensure you’re somewhere you can focus on your
notes.
3. Add color and pictures
If you’re a visual learner, consider the best way to include
colors and images in your notes. If certain colors bring up
certain ideas for you, color coding might be your jam. Similarly,
if you can better understand an idea in your notes with visuals,
don’t be afraid to add them.
4. Stay organized
No matter which note-taking method you pick, organization is
key. If that’s something you struggle with, brainstorm some
organization ideas that might jive with your work style and
schedule.
5. Find a note-taking tool
Make sure to explore various note-taking tools to find the one
that suits your preferences. Just as with note-taking methods,
there are endless note-take apps or AI note-taking tools you
can try. Whether you prefer taking handwritten notes,
computer notes, or a digital notebook (or a platform that’s
both), only use what you’ll enjoy most.
