Reading multiple resources like papers and blogs is needed for understanding the concept and to have an all-rounder view of the subject.However one cannot always remember the resources they learn, or may forget how to get back to the resource that you learnt once, breaking the flow of your learning. Andy Stapleton provides a simple guide on organizing your notes, be it for school or for even PhD scholar writing their thesis

Categorising Ideas

Powerpoint presentation programs (like Google slides, MD powerpoint, Canva) offer a unique way of switching through the slides, which makes it easier for going Through, rather than scrolling.

Medium Used - PowerPoint Presentation 

The template used(refer to the image) has 6 parts :<ul><li>Title : The title refers to the title of the paper, or the concept you want to learn.</li><li>Link : Here you can add the link to the reference so that you can get back to the source for further reading or cross-checking</li><li>Take -home message : This contains the entire idea of the resource that you've read through. It maybe the combined idea of the abstract and the conclusion of the paper you've read (if it's a scientific paper)</li><li>Other notes : This is where you add your opinion on the resources, be it a research gap, or ideas you can connect with, etc.</li></ul>

Template Used 

The second half of the template comprises the Important figures to consider and the Tags. The former can be anything from the illustrations and tables you've found from the paper, or maybe a concept map you've made on your own . The Tags form the most important part of the template making it easier to the article you want. Here, the tags are Method/Must-Read/Discovery/Lit-Review/Idea.While the rest tags are self-explanatory by itself, method means the paper contains the method that you'd like to perform in your research, and Lit-Review means that the paper is a literature review.

Images And Tages 

This template provides a basic idea on how one can categorize their notes and resources. One is always free to customise the tags or other sub-headings specific to their needs and purpose.

Take Home Message

Read too many references but don't remember how to retrieve it ? Confused about organising your notes ? Here's a simple guide to categorise your reference so that you can get back to it quicker.

In this video I share with you how I read and take notes. I did this through my PhD and my postdoctoral studies. I have tried nearly every other reading and note-taking technique but this is the one that stuck with me and I found it the most efficient. ▼ ▽ Sign up for my FREE newsletter Join 10,000+ email subscribers receiving the free tools and academic tips directly from me: https://andrewstapleton.com.au/newsletter/ ▶ Get my eBook Bundle: https://academiainsider.com/ebook-bundle/ ▶ Recommended Apps, Books and Courses: https://academiainsider.com/recommended-apps-courses-and-books/ ▶ Join my members-only insider community: https://academiainsider.com/community/ ................................................ ▼ ▽ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – introduction 0:52 – system 3:19 – how it works 10:43 – navigating the slides 12:35 – reading papers in full ................................................ ▼ ▽ TOOLS ▶ Best PhD Writing Tool - Writefull - https://link.andrewstapleton.com.au/writefull (Get 10% off with my link)

How to read and take notes like a PhD - easy, fast, and efficient

Jay