Taking Class Notes

There are different moments in our lives that lead to different approaches to taking notes in classes:

1. From school to graduation — focus on remembering what others thought.
2. Post-graduation — balance memorization with creating new ideas and research.
3. Corporate or temporary courses — absorb quickly, filter, and keep only what is useful now (while staying aware of future needs).

From School to Graduation (and General Post-Graduation Classes)

At this stage, professors are often seen as authorities. The main concern is:

• Separating opinions from facts.
• Keeping a sequence of what has been studied.
• Understanding key points and concepts from lectures and recommended books.

Suggested approach:

1. Create a general folder: Studies
2. Create subfolders per year and subject/discipline code:
   • Studies/2024/Sciences
   • Studies/2023/Physics 101
3. Create one note per class:
   • Studies/2023/Physics 101/2023-09-17 - Introduction
4. Create auxiliary notes for exercises:
   • Studies/2023/Physics 101/2023-09-17 - Book 2 exercises

Inside each note, include metadata:

• Date
• Subject/course code
• Professor
• Exam date
• Other relevant details

Attachments and shared materials go into the class note (embedded or linked).

If you’re in early education, consider complementary study methods (e.g., spaced repetition). Decide whether to use class notes directly or create separate notes for that.

At this stage, Zettelkasten may not add much value. If you want to try it, create separate notes and link them to your class notes.

Post-Graduation Notes

Follow the same process as above, but with additional layers:

• Create a new top-level folder for Research (or integrate it under Studies).
• Include notes from other sources beyond the official bibliography.
• Develop your own perspective on the subject.
• Capture opposing views to avoid bias (debunk them if needed).

This is the right stage to start experimenting with Zettelkästen, since you’re expected to create new material and research.

Example folder structure:

• Studies
• Books
• Research

(Adjust as needed — Obsidian makes restructuring easy, and links update automatically.)

Corporate Training

Similar to post-graduation, but simplified:

• Notes may stop evolving once the training ends.
• Auxiliary books or research are usually not involved.
• Metadata and folder structure can be lighter.

Main concern:

• Stay aware of what you studied.
• Apply useful concepts in your daily routine.
• Be able to recognize and discuss concepts in meetings or future sessions.

Suggested adaptation:

• Replace Research with a Knowledge folder.
• Rewrite main concepts in your own words.
• Use these notes as a practical guide.

Here, applicability is more important than depth. Zettelkästen may help, but won’t necessarily lead to new discoveries.

Conclusion

Even though all three stages involve content presented by professors or instructors, the expectations differ:

• School/Graduation → Memorization and sequence.
• Post-Graduation → Research, critical thinking, and creation.
• Corporate Training → Practical application and quick recall.

Be practical in how you take notes.
Keep your goals clear (graduating, researching, applying knowledge).
Experiment and adapt your workflow to each stage.