So recently I was reading a biography on Alexander Hamilton, on my girlfriend’s request. She loves this guy. Something about a musical she fell in love with. Anyway, she wanted me to know more about him so… I guess that means I have too. In his biography I noticed something. He was a very smart man but most of it seemed to be self-made. But then I got to a little paragraph that was talking about what Hamilton did during the revolutionary war.
After his field command he got promoted to doing clerical work for Washington. During this time, he was also learning. His learning did a lot of great things. It was focused on how to run the government. Looking into finances and philosophy. He also went looking for the mistakes form the past in history. In other words, all the stuff you would do if you wanted a high-level position in the new government.
But then I noticed that he was doing something else. Something many great people have done all through history. I mean besides not relying on only their college degree. Besides continuing to learn for their whole life. Besides doing all the things people who come here are looking to do. He was using this magic little tool.
Know I need to stop for a second and tell you about how amazing this thing is. This has been used by Leonardo Da Vinci not just to make his art but also his numerous inventions. It was used by Benjamin Franklin to develop him into a man who could sway a whole nation into joining the American’s side in a war. It was also used by George Washington for… I think everything.
But perhaps most important it was also used by Winston, wait for it… Churchill. This dude is my man. I love this guy. Just like me. Struggled when he started school. Failed out of almost everything except by dumb luck. Didn’t really make much of himself until he started using this tool. And he kept using this tool all the way into beating the Nazi menace (I haven’t done yet), writing many best sellers (haven’t done that either), and making a fortune (OK, maybe I’m not just like him).
Yes, this tool has toppled armies. This tool has formed great movements. This tool has been used to save live, invent new medical treatments, build governments and great people throughout history. Not only that but it is easy enough to be used during war time, even if you’re in the trenches. And best of all…
Wait no.
Sorry.
Not enough build up.
This tool has been around for over 21 hundred years. In fact, this invention has continued to get better. This has been what separates the kings and pauper. The rich and the poor. The amazing and the pathetic. Despite this it has recently started to be set aside and become unused. This means that if you are willing to use it you have a huge advantage in life. And best of all… you can get it for 99 cents at Walmart.
Yeah that seems better.
I think I built that up enough.
So, are you ready to hear what it is?
This little invention is called a notebook.
Yes, you read that right, a notebook. Many pieces of paper bound together so you can write on them. The same thing many people are turning away from so they can use their computer to type notes instead. (shakes head) They do this despite the fact that many studies have shown you retain the information better when you hand write notes then when you type them.
For more on this, please click here.
Now let me give you some quick instructions on how to use this. Both in class and outside of class. Let’s start with in class. If possible, print the slides and bring them to class before you start. Have a slide or two already written, leaving space between them. This way you have space to write anything that the teacher talks about that is not on the slide. It’s a good idea to try and stay a few slides ahead of the teacher so you have room to do this.
Next, don’t copy the slides verbatim. Condense the material so you are focusing on the concepts. Ignore proper grammar, don’t worry much about spelling, put it in your own words with as few as possible. Also don’t be afraid to use simple pictures to show meaning. For example, when I needed to write anything about increasing, better or higher I would use an arrow pointing up. You can use little symbols like that to really speed up note taking. If all else fails record the lecture and play it back to take notes.
Now for when you’re not in class. You still want to condense your notes and put them in your own words. Having said that don’t skip to much on the grammar. It does not need to be perfect, unless your studying grammar. Focus on taking as much detail as you feel you need but cutting out the fluff form the book. Hit the main points and important facts. Cut the fluff, such as stories. Stories are a great teaching tool but don’t matter for much else. Lastly, don’t be scared of drawing pictures or diagrams that help you understand the material better. It might take a little longer but it’s worth the effort.
There you have it. What might be the most important tool in learning. And you can get it for 99 cents. Why wouldn’t you use it?