The Brutal Truth About Reading: If You Don’t Take Notes Right, You’ll Forget Nearly Everything

The Brutal Truth About Reading: If You Don’t Take Notes Right, You’ll Forget Nearly Everything

Reading is a fundamental skill that we learn at a young age. It opens up new worlds, introduces us to different perspectives, and allows us to gain knowledge and insights. However, there is a brutal truth about reading that many of us are not aware of - if we don't take notes right, we'll forget nearly everything.

I have personally experienced this brutal reality countless times. I would spend hours engrossed in a book, only to realize later that I had forgotten almost everything I had read. It was a disheartening realization, as I had wasted thousands of hours consuming information without retaining much of it.

But is it really a waste if you enjoyed reading the things? This is a question that often comes to mind, especially when it comes to fiction or reading for a specific purpose that has now ended. While the enjoyment of reading is important, it's also essential to remember that reading is a means to gain knowledge and expand our understanding of the world. If we don't retain what we read, it diminishes the value of the experience.

So, how can we ensure that we remember what we read? One approach that has been effective for me is structured learning. Structured learning involves setting pre-defined objectives and following a guided learning path. It is intentional and purposeful, ensuring that the time spent reading is not in vain.

In his blog post, "How I approach structured learning after school," Radi emphasizes the difference between structured and unstructured learning. With structured learning, there is a clear direction and objectives to guide the learning process. On the other hand, unstructured learning occurs more naturally, without explicit direction.

In a job setting, for example, there may not be the same structured learning environment as in school. While you may want to up-skill and improve, there is often no predefined path to follow. This is where intentional structured learning becomes crucial. Radi breaks down structured learning into three distinct phases: discovery of new ideas, sense-making, and experimentation.

Discovery involves actively seeking out new ideas and information. This can be done through reading books, articles, or attending workshops and conferences. The key is to be curious and open-minded, constantly seeking out new knowledge that aligns with your goals.

Sense-making is the process of making sense of the information you have discovered. It involves reflecting on what you have learned, connecting the dots, and extracting key insights. This is where note-taking comes into play. Taking effective notes while reading allows you to capture the main ideas and important details, making it easier to retain and recall the information later.

Experimentation is the final phase of structured learning. Once you have gained knowledge and made sense of it, it's important to put it into practice. This can be done through real-life application, hands-on projects, or discussions with others. By actively engaging with the information, you solidify your understanding and enhance your learning.

But structured learning doesn't end there. Radi suggests that intentionally sharing your learning and progress in public spaces can act as an antidote to the post-school learning motivation challenge. Platforms like Glasp and personal blogs allow you to share what you're learning, creating a sense of accountability and motivation. It also opens up opportunities for feedback and collaboration with others who share similar interests.

In conclusion, reading is a valuable tool for personal growth and learning. However, if we don't take notes right, we risk forgetting nearly everything we read. By embracing structured learning and following the three phases of discovery, sense-making, and experimentation, we can enhance our reading experience and ensure better retention of the knowledge gained.

Actionable advice:

1. Take effective notes while reading: Develop a note-taking system that works for you and allows you to capture the main ideas and important details. This will help you retain and recall the information more effectively.

2. Reflect and connect: After reading, take the time to reflect on what you have learned and connect it to your existing knowledge. This sense-making process will deepen your understanding and help you make connections between different ideas.

3. Share your learning: Find a platform or create a personal blog where you can share what you're learning. This will create a sense of accountability and motivation, as well as open up opportunities for feedback and collaboration with others.

Remember, reading is not just about consuming information; it's about retaining and applying that knowledge. By approaching reading with intentionality and incorporating structured learning techniques, you can make the most out of your reading experience and avoid the brutal truth of forgetting nearly everything you read.