How to be an effective note taker

Let’s face it, sometimes our note-taking skills could use a little boost. Fear not, I am here to help, for today we delve into the whimsical world of smart notes, drawing inspiration from the genius mind of Sönke Ahrens and his book “How to Take Smart Notes.” So, grab your pens, put on your thinking caps, and prepare to embark on a hilarious journey to note-taking greatness!

Fleeting and Permanent Notes: The Dynamic Duo of Note-taking

In the world of smart notes, we encounter two formidable heroes: Fleeting Notes and Permanent Notes. Fleeting Notes are like a burst of lightning, capturing your initial thoughts and wild ideas. These are usually rough and involve a lot of scribbling and crossing out – our initial thoughts if you will.   Permanent Notes, on the other hand, are the refined versions, polished and ready for the world. Together, they form a dynamic duo, a note-taking dream team that brings order to chaos and wisdom to the masses! So when revising, start with your initial thoughts and then organise these later and make them permanent.

The Art of Networked Thinking: Connect the Dots, Unleash Your Inner Picasso

Ah, connections! They’re not just for social butterflies; they’re the secret sauce of smart note-taking. Picture yourself as the Picasso of note-taking, creating a masterpiece of interconnected ideas. By linking your notes to theories and examples, you uncover hidden patterns, forge unlikely connections, and become a note-taking virtuoso. It’s like creating a work of art with your thoughts, one stroke of brilliance at a time!

Active Reading and Thinking: Note-taking in Action

Let’s be honest, reading can be a snooze fest. But fear not, for smart notes bring a touch of magic to the reading experience. Be an active reader, my dear note-taking enthusiasts! Engage with the material, scribble furiously in the margins, put it into your own words and make your notes dance with your own quirky thoughts. It’s like adding your own personal flavour to a dull dish, transforming it into a gourmet feast of ideas!

Incremental Writing: Building Blocks of Note-taking Success

Writing is the backbone of note-taking, and incremental writing is the secret ingredient to note-taking mastery. Think of it as constructing a grand tower of knowledge, one block at a time. Regularly revisit your notes, revise and refine, and watch your tower get taller and taller. It’s like building a note-taking empire, brick by brick, until you become the undisputed ruler of knowledge!

So, my fellow note-taking enthusiasts, embrace the power of smart notes and up your revision game for these next set of exams!

Level 3 Diamond Timetable

Exam Series Module No. of sessions Dates
November 2023
M1
3
2nd Oct, 16th Oct, 30th Oct
March 2024
M2 & M3
6
15th Jan, 29th Jan, 5th Feb, 19th Feb, 26th Feb, 4th Mar
May 2024
M4
3
15th Apr, 22nd Apr, 29th Apr
July 2024
M5
3
3rd June, 10th June, 24th June

Level 6 Diamond Timetable

Exam Series Module No. of sessions Dates
November 2023
M1
3
5th Oct, 19th Oct, 9th November
March 2024
M2 & M5
5
25th Jan, 1st Feb, 8th Feb, 22nd Feb, 29th Feb
May 2024
M4 & M7
4
18th April, 25th April, 2nd May, 9th May
July 2024
M3 & M8
5
30th May, 13th June,20th June, 27th June, 4th July

Level 5 Diamond Timetable

Exam Series Module No. of sessions Dates
November 2023
M1 & M2
4
4th Oct, 11th Oct, 18th Oct, 25th Oct, 1st Nov, 8th Nov
March 2024
M5, M15 & M9
4
31st Jan, 7th Feb, 21st Feb, 28th Feb, 6th March
May 2024
M3 & M8
4
10th April, 17th April, 24th April, 1st May
July 2024
M4
3
5th June, 12th June, 26th June

Level 4 Diamond Timetable

Exam Series Module No. of sessions Dates
November 2023
M1 & M2
5
3rd Oct, 10th Oct, 17th Oct, 24th Oct, 7th Nov
March 2024
M3, M5, M7
6
23rd Jan, 30th Jan, 6th Feb, 20th Feb, 27th Feb, 5th March
May 2024
M4 & M6
4
9th April, 16th April, 23rd April, 30th April
July 2024
M8
3
4th June, 18th June, 2nd July