10+ Best Articles on Note Taking
The most useful articles on note-taking from around the web—beginners to advanced—curated by thought leaders and our community. We focus on timeless pieces and update the list whenever we discover new, must-read articles or videos—make sure to bookmark and revisit this page.
Top 5 Note Taking Articles
At a glance: these are the articles that have been most read, shared, and saved on note-taking by Refind users in 2023 so far.
Videos
Watch a video to get a quick overview.
What's the difference between note-taking & note-making?
Most note-taking system don't result in better recall. In this video, we'll explore a more effective alternative based on the generation effect: note-making....
How to ...?
How to take notes while reading a book
When reading a book, taking notes interrupts our reading flow. There is a fine balance between taking too many notes and taking too few notes.
«Importing these ideas into my note-taking system is a way to create a dialogue between the authors whose work I have read.»
How to choose the right note-taking app
There's a note-taking app for everyone. The challenge: it's hard to decide which one's the best for your use case and your note-taking style.
How To Take Smart Notes: 10 Principles to Revolutionize Your Note-Taking and Writing
I long ago stopped reading books on note-taking. They were always too vague and boring, full of platitudes that had little to do with the world outside academia. I especially avoided “how-to” style…
How to Take Notes While Reading
Note-taking is a powerful tool. But it can be hard to take notes while reading. Here's how you can maximize your ability to remember, reference and learn.
«I take notes, not so much to help me pay attention or memorize the facts, but to serve as anchors to find later if I’m looking for a quote, factoid or reference»
Trending
These links are currently making the rounds on note-taking on Refind.
Why note-taking apps don't make us smarter
They're designed for storage, not sparking insights. Can AI change that?
Short Articles
Short on time? Check out these useful short articles on note-taking—all under 10 minutes.
I've Used All The Notebooks
They aren’t a record of my thinking process. They are my thinking process. – Richard Feynman, on his notebooks (via How to Take Smart Notes) My notebook obsession laid bare I jot, doodle, scribe, and…
«They aren’t a record of my thinking process. They are my thinking process. – Richard Feynman, on his notebooks (via How to Take Smart Notes)»
The Top 3 Most Effective Ways to Take Notes While Reading
The most effective way to take notes while reading is to follow this simple three step process that I've tested and honed on over one thousand books.
«I rarely listen to books but if you are listening to a book, create a new note for that book and type in notes as you are listening»
The Problem With Note-Taking
If you view knowledge for its utility, you will never fully appreciate it.
«note-taking is our attempt to transition the present moment to an imagined, future self»
From note-taking to note-making
Note-taking is fast, uses the original author's language, and feels easier. Note-making is slower, more involved, and uses your own language.
«To help with understanding and recall, make sure to create links between the ideas you are studying.»
The benefits of note-taking by hand
Computers and phones have become the go-to note-taking method for many. But your brain benefits from an old-fashioned pen and paper.
Long Articles
These are some of the most-read long-form articles on note-taking.
10 smart note-taking tips that can boost your productivity
Did you know TNW Conference has a track fully dedicated to the future of work this year? Check out the full program here. I long ago stopped reading books on note-taking. They were always too vague…
«When you truly understand something, it is anchored to a latticework of related ideas and meanings, which makes it far easier to remember.»
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