In notes, you should include key information such as the date and time, purpose of the note, main ideas, important details, definitions, examples, and any questions that arise during the learning or observation process. It is also useful to add tags or categories to organize notes for easy retrieval, as well as any context that may help jog your memory later. Including direct quotes, references to sources, and additional context like priorities or due dates can enhance the usefulness of notes. You should exclude unnecessary or overly detailed metadata that you do not revisit or find useful, and avoid cluttering notes with less relevant content like unorganized raw data or resources that are not immediately applicable. Notes should remain concise, clear, and focused on aiding memory and retrieval rather than including every detail. Avoid including vague or unrelated information, and unnecessary repetition unless it serves a specific purpose like emphasizing an important point. In summary:
- Include: Date/time, purpose, main concepts, key details, definitions, examples, questions, tags, contexts, references.
- Exclude: Overly detailed metadata, irrelevant or redundant information, unorganized raw data, and anything that dilutes clarity or focus of the note.
This approach helps keep notes practical, easy to use, and effective for future reference or study.