Questions over Assumptions | Note-Taking like a PhD student

Summary

In this video, the speaker explores the importance of efficient note-taking for learning, retention, and creation. Drawing from their PhD experience, they introduce an adapted version of the Zettelkasten method, which involves linking notes to form a web of interconnected ideas. The speaker emphasizes tools like Notion and Kindle for digital note management and shares personal habits for note-taking, including collecting ideas from books, podcasts, and daily thoughts. Ultimately, the goal is to create something new from these notes, whether it's an article, video, or research paper, while reflecting and refining the system over time.

Takeaways

• 😀 Taking notes is crucial for learning and creating new ideas, but it's challenging to retain and apply the knowledge long-term.
• 😀 Traditional note-taking systems can limit creativity and the generation of new ideas as adults tend to focus on memorization rather than questioning.
• 😀 The Zettelkasten method, originally an analog system, helps organize knowledge through linked notes, forming a web of interconnected ideas over time.
• 😀 The Zettelkasten method's main strengths are creating connections between related concepts, fostering mindful consumption, and promoting reflection on the material learned.
• 😀 Notetaking should be done regularly and with the goal of summarizing concepts in your own words to engage deeply with the material.
• 😀 Technology, such as Notion, can aid in organizing and managing notes, but the key is to find a system that works for your personal preferences and needs.
• 😀 Mindful consumption is an important part of the note-taking process. By writing down notes on what you learn, you become more actively engaged with the material.
• 😀 Reflecting on your notes regularly and reorganizing them helps in gaining new insights and adapting the system as your understanding evolves over time.
• 😀 Organizing your notes shouldn’t be an immediate priority—it's more important to collect and create notes first and then refine the organization as you go.
• 😀 The ultimate goal of taking notes is not just to accumulate information but to create something new from it, such as an essay, blog post, research paper, or even a YouTube video.

Q & A

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of note-taking during a PhD?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of note-taking during a PhD because it is crucial for retaining and organizing large amounts of information. A good note-taking system helps in generating new ideas, mastering concepts quickly, and ultimately creating a personal library of knowledge that can be referenced and built upon.

What are the three key principles the speaker wanted from their note-taking system?

The three key principles the speaker wanted were: 1) Retrieving information when needed, 2) Using that information to generate new insights or ideas, and 3) Helping to learn and master new concepts as quickly as possible.

What is the 'Zettelkasten' system, and how does the speaker adapt it?

The Zettelkasten system is a method for organizing ideas by linking individual notes to create a web of knowledge. While the speaker adapts this system digitally using Notion, the original Zettelkasten method was analog. The speaker focuses on linking related concepts rather than strictly following the original indexing system, which didn’t suit their needs.

How does the speaker link notes in their system?

The speaker links notes by creating small, individual notes for each concept learned. For example, if they come across a new idea, like neuroplasticity, they create a note with the concept in their own words and link it to other related notes, such as long-term potentiation. This forms a dynamic web of interconnected ideas.

What is the role of 'mindful consumption' in the note-taking system?

Mindful consumption refers to actively engaging with content by taking notes on everything that is consumed, ensuring deeper interaction with the material. It encourages more thoughtful learning and highlights areas where you are truly absorbing information versus just consuming entertainment.

How does the speaker use tools like Notion for note-taking?

The speaker uses Notion to organize and manage their notes. They’ve created a digital system that allows them to keep everything in one place, making it easy to retrieve, link, and use their notes for future learning or creation of new content.

Why does the speaker recommend using questions instead of full sentences for note-taking during lectures?

The speaker recommends using questions because it helps in active listening and forces deeper thinking. Writing full sentences may result in passively transcribing the lecture, whereas questions encourage you to engage with the content more critically.

What is the speaker’s approach to organizing notes over time?

The speaker’s approach to organizing notes is flexible and evolving. Rather than organizing notes immediately, they allow the system to develop organically over time. When revisiting notes, they reflect on their organization and make adjustments based on new insights or the changing relevance of categories.

What is the 'Feynman technique' and how does the speaker relate it to note-taking?

The Feynman technique involves explaining complex ideas in simple terms as a way to reinforce learning. The speaker suggests combining this technique with their note-taking system by creating something original from their notes, such as an essay, blog post, or research idea. Teaching what you’ve learned is an effective way to solidify understanding.

What advice does the speaker give about using digital vs. analog tools for note-taking?

The speaker acknowledges the benefits of both digital and analog note-taking. They personally prefer digital tools like Notion for flexibility and convenience but highlight that analog tools like note cards can also be effective. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific context of use.