Lesson: In this session, we’re looking into advanced note-taking methods that can significantly enhance your reading and learning experience. A Zettelkasten, German for ‘slip box,’ is a method popularized by sociologist Niklas Luhmann, and it’s a powerful tool for knowledge management and idea development. The Zettelkasten method involves writing down individual ideas or insights onContinue reading Day 17 – Let’s Talk About a Zettelkasten
I see the value of an elaborate system like Zettelkasten for researchers and professional writers whose occupations call for such a method for managing information and ideas thru a network of notes versus just having individual notes collected with no linkages. I used a very simple note card system when writing my dissertation (1990, before digital assets were available). With 5 x 8 cards I could write the reference notation, a summary of the book or article, and how this material liked to a specific topic or topics. I had a file box very similar to the one Eddy displayed in the video and used tabs with topic names to divide the notecards. For example, behind a tab named “narcissism” I would file all cards with materials I had read related to narcissism. I could then organize the cards by paragraph order or page order similar to mind mapping.
I am learning, in this lesson, that I could have used a numbering system to link individual cards to other pertinent cards. Perhaps. I say perhaps because the time consuming nature of this strategy made it difficult to develop a more functional method. I was working full time and probably short-changed the quality of my work for expediency. I did receive my doctoral degree, but had I understood note taking and organizing better, my research would have been of a higher quality.
I’ve used outlining for note taking and find it useful.
For this course, I haven’t settled on a preferred method. I like making notes in my book as I read. I can see how pulling those notes out and putting those onto note cards would work for me. I haven’t done that yet because as I explained in yesterday’s post, I use four good interactive methods that meet the goals I have for reading here in my retirement. I see reading as a way to gain knowledge and understanding in hopes of not only learning but keeping brain elasticity in learning new things to prevent developing dementia. Don’t know if it’ll work, but at 79 so far so good.
After watching this a few times, I still dont follow how this system works and why.. but, I guess you are suggesting that we research it ourselves. I see there are several methods out there.
I have my notebook and will just write the notes according to our assignment from yesterday. (I am impressed that you are doing this whole course in one sitting, but, I would suggest you take breaks and then return to us)