In this reflective article, the author shares a personal journey of evolving note-taking techniques—from the days of copying every word in primary school to mastering the art of synthesizing and internalizing information as an adult. They reveal how methods like the Cornell Method have been instrumental in transforming raw notes into structured, memorable insights, especially in high-stakes environments like planning meetings at AWS and preparing for major events such as the re:Invent keynote. The article emphasizes the benefits of pen-and-paper not just for focus, but for deeper cognitive processing, drawing on research that shows higher retention rates compared to digital note-taking. Moreover, the author explores the exciting intersection of traditional note-taking with modern machine learning and generative AI, which can transcribe, summarize, and analyze information on a massive scale. As one memorable line states, “[…] one of the worst feelings I can think of, [is] to have had a wonderful moment or insight or vision or phrase, to know you had it, then lose it.” The advice is clear: take notes, and take lots of them.

Key points:

• Evolution of Note-Taking: Transitioned from verbatim copying in school to synthesizing and personalizing notes for deeper understanding.
• Benefits of Handwritten Notes: Emphasizes the superior focus and retention provided by pen and paper compared to digital alternatives.
• The Cornell Method: Detailed description of this simple yet effective technique that divides a notebook page into title, notes, keywords/questions, and summary sections.
• Scientific Backing: Cites studies (e.g., Kuniyoshi Sakai’s research) supporting the idea that handwritten notes enhance memory retention.
• Integration with Modern Tech: Highlights the potential of machine learning and generative AI to supplement note-taking with features like transcription, OCR, and near-instant summarization.
• Practical Advice: Ends with a powerful reminder to always capture fleeting insights, echoing Anne Lamott’s sentiment about the importance of not losing those brilliant moments.
• Engagement Invitation: Encourages readers to share their own note-taking strategies via Twitter or LinkedIn.

These insights provide a compelling case for revisiting our note-taking habits and leveraging both traditional methods and modern technology for better learning and retention.
Link to Article