How to draw your notes

How to draw your notes –

Upon seeing the title of this blog article you might be one of those who will react by wondering why (❓) you should draw (❗❓) your notes.

The answer to this question is the following: Images, maps, graphs and other visual representations make it easier to remember what you are learning.

This is not only true for visual learners but for other learning styles as well. Also, technological developments have changed teaching, learning and learning resources over the past decade or longer. Many digital learning resources use interactive websites with lectures, images, videos and simulations. All of this increases retention of knowledge.

Write and draw your notes step by step

?Step 1:
◽Don’t try to write everything down. Write or jot down the main ideas only.
◽Use different text or font styles.
◽Use large letters or caps for the main headings.
◽Use smaller letters for each important fact or sub-heading.
◽Use normal-sized letters for explanations and detail.
◽Use bold or italics , underlining or highlighting (in different colours) to make facts stand out.
◽Use colour.
This is not that different to normal note-taking or summarising, in class or at home when you are reviewing the day’s work. You will also start off with the title, the sub-headings and the main ideas. As you progress you will add definitions, summaries, additional facts and explanations. While you are adding this your memory will be tweaked to recall finer detail. Don’t forget to leave extra space between your notes for adding the abovementioned.
Remember: you don’t need to be able to draw pictures!

?Step 2:
◽Use basic shapes.
◽Create your own system of shapes or unique icons e.g. draw a rectangle or a circle around a definition; draw a cloud around examples or a heart around something you struggle to remember.
◽Incorporate arrows to connect words, ideas or images. Differentiate between normal arrows, bold arrows, double arrows and broken arrows.

?Step 3:
◽Take the drawing of your notes to the next level.
◽Use mind maps: Write the title of the topic in the middle of a single sheet of blank paper. Write the sub-headings and important facts around the central title.
◽Thereafter add further detail around and next to these. Don’t forget to incorporate your own system of shapes and unique icons.
◽Use flow charts: Flow charts are similar to mind maps though the layout is often different. Start with the title of the topic in a corner of the page. Work outwards from there, adding sub-headings and important facts that ‘flow’ from the corner over the rest of the page.
Mind maps and flow charts work very well to demonstrate how things connect. Some learners prefer to use landscape mode. A4 sketch books work well for these.
◽Use visual diagrams, graphic organisers and concept maps e.g. use timelines and geographical maps for a subject like History or a collage for Science.

Online workshops on Visual thinking for learners and Learn how to use pictures to study are offered by 3STICKMEN. You can take info off their website here and off their blog here.

Good luck with putting your notes on paper by bringing them to life visually! ?