The Most Effective Method for Taking Notes While Reading: Drawing Your Own Diagram or Copying Someone Else’s

Introduction

When it comes to taking notes while reading a chapter, the question often arises whether drawing your own diagram is more beneficial than simply copying someone else’s. Richard Feynman, a renowned physicist and educator, once said, 'If you can explain what you have read to the "average Joe" without referring to notes or directly quoting the book, you have mastered the material.' This quote encapsulates the essence of effective note-taking.

Understanding the Learning Process

Internalization vs. Memorization

At the core of effective notetaking is the process of internalization. When you read a chapter, your goal should not just be to memorize the information, but to truly understand and internalize it. This is where drawing your own diagram comes into play. Diagrams can serve as powerful visual aids that help you process and organize information in a more meaningful way.

The Limitations of Copying

Copying someone else's diagram, while it may provide a reference, lacks the deeper cognitive processing that comes with creating your own diagrams. As noted by Feynman, copying alone may not lead to true mastery of the subject matter. Herein lies the fundamental difference between the two methods: drawing your own diagram promotes deeper learning and critical thinking, while copying someone else’s diagram, unless coupled with a thorough understanding, can be superficial in nature.

Case Studies and Research

Draw Your Own Diagram: Case Study

Let’s consider a case study where a student reads a chapter on quantum mechanics. By drawing their own diagram of the quantum states, the student engages in critical thinking, visualizing the relationships, and processing the concepts. This process of drawing, analyzing, and revising the diagram helps in solidifying the understanding and making the knowledge more accessible.

Copy Someone Else’s Diagram: Case Study

In contrast, if the same student copies a well-designed diagram from a textbook or online resource, they are likely to retain less information. While copying can be a useful step in the learning process, it is most effective when followed by a thorough understanding of the material. For instance, if the student takes the time to explain the copied diagram to a friend or create their own notes explaining each part, the learning becomes more profound.

Best Practices for Effective Notetaking

Pre-Reading and Learning

The key to effective notetaking is to begin with a solid understanding of the material. Before taking notes, read the chapter and ensure you have a grasp of the main concepts. This pre-reading step is crucial as it sets the foundation for the rest of the notetaking process.

Creating Your Own Diagrams

Once you have internalized the learning, create your own diagrams. This process involves:

Understanding the key concepts and relationships. Visualizing these concepts in a way that makes sense to you. Drawing the diagram and refining it as needed.

By drawing your own diagrams, you are actively engaged in the learning process, making it easier to recall the information later.

Copied Diagrams as a Supplementary Resource

While copying someone else’s diagram can be a useful step, it should only be used after you have understood the material. Here are some best practices:

Read the chapter and make notes to understand the main points. Refer to the diagram and take the time to understand its meaning and the concepts it represents. Create your own notes explaining the diagram in your own words. Use the copied diagram as a visual aid for review, but do not rely on it as your primary source of information.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the most effective method for taking notes while reading a chapter depends on your personal learning style and the material at hand. Drawing your own diagram is highly beneficial for deep learning and long-term retention, while copying someone else's diagram can be a useful tool when it is supplemented by a thorough understanding of the material. Whether you draw your own diagram or study someone else's, the key is to ensure that the learning process is meaningful and comprehensive.

Keywords: notetaking, diagram, information processing