Taking Notes and Learning

Sources

Things to take note of:

Implicit and explicit terminologies.
Distinctions. If there are identified applications associated with it, also note it down.
Conclusions and underlying arguments
Unclear terms, claims, and arguments
An argument/claim/term’s relation to the larger picture (use table of contents as a clue)
- Collect notes that give hints to finding its relevance if it still unidentifiable
- If larger picture is unclear, use the local argument as a clue (and vice versa)
Your questions/confusions. Use that to help guide you find your answers.
Your own conclusions/interpretations. Later on, eliminate some and find evidence for others.
Issues/limitations with your interpretations
Page numbers, or a reference to the source of your paraphrasing/interpretation that you can utilize later on for reviewing purposes
Differences and similarities between different authors you are reading
- Helps you trace historical influences
If old notes is unclear after rereading, re-articulate or add to it to provide clarity
Add new insights and updated understanding, while also eliminating misrepresentations of a source
Use quotation marks when quoting to save time and avoid going back to the main reference

Other things to consider:

Find ways to distinguish your voice from the source author voice
Use visualizations when possible (e.g., charts, diagrams, tables, and pictures)
If you are evaluating your own thoughts while using the positions of others as reference, simultaneously take note of your evaluations alongside your interpretative notes (unless you have a separate place for them)
If you plan to grow, use your old notes as a starting point for future reading. Review if needed, and add new insights if needed.