My university note-taking | Zettelkasten & more

[@ArtemKirsanov]

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[@galzajc1257]

I' m a first year phisycs student and we have professor, that asks questions all the time during a lecture. It is just so good and fun. You also remember it way better this way, because you come up with answer. The only notes, I take are equations and a few words, that remind me how i can derive them.

[@ArtemKirsanov]

Awesome!! I agree, professors who encourage active engagement are the best!

[@6torthor]

I keep reminiscing to my old high school STEM teacher. He really cared for our learning and spent a lot of time finding the best methods to ingrain the info into us. Because of this, he found a method where he would only do strictly engaging lectures to get through all the info (constantly asking us questions to how they related to earlier and other subjects like active recall), and after he would give us class hours to fill in the gaps in our knowledge with the text books to note take much like the Q&A flash cards. I never had any problem recalling that information when I needed them in high school because I only had a few text books, but after my first semester of college man did I realize something was wrong when everyone, including me, whipped out our computers and wrote down every detail. I'd walk out of every lecture thinking man wtf did I even just learn? I can't possibly navigate all that mess now like before, and so Zettelkasten seems very appealing. Rather than sticking to purely folders of each class, I can just refer back to the connections to get the bigger picture like how Obsidian illustrates it. "The mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell" no longer falls under the undescriptive "BIO101" but rather "cell biology," and it can be connected to many other things to get the bigger picture. Just glad I found this channel, I forgot productive note taking and recalling memory once after high school (gap year), but I'm not gonna do it again. Cheers

[@munayer]

Artem, you're truly one of my favorite KZbinrs of all time. Totally. Thank you for the always inspiring and helpful videos. They mean a lot

[@ArtemKirsanov]

Thanks!

[@jellyfable139]

I agree with a lot of this video and it's a super great resource, but I can't help but think that this doesn't apply to all areas of study equally. In a STEM-focused area of study, it's much easier to find a specific equation or formula you didn't write down. In a more subjective area of study like English, the lecturer will often be providing their own interpretations or synthesizing ideas from a lot of very different sources where it would take a lot of time and effort to retrace their steps to find the information.

[@matthiasjones]

I'm starting a PhD program in Philosophy in 1 week and two of my friends recommended the Zettlekasten method (and Obsidian, which Mr. Kirsanov has a video on). I feel Philosophy is a great "humanities" representative, particularly in regard to the interpretation/synthesizing that you mentioned. So I'll let you know how it goes with this method once this semester ends.

[@riglosoeltortuga2597]

@@matthiasjones how did it go? Unless your semester is still happening

[@matthiasjones]

@@riglosoeltortuga2597 Yup! I'm finishing my final papers now, so I'll come back and give a report of my experience once they are done and turned in. ^_^

[@riglosoeltortuga2597]

@@matthiasjones thanks so much

[@matthiasjones]

@@riglosoeltortuga2597 So, I can say that the Zettlekasten Method (along with using Obsidian, which Artem also has a video on) has helped immensely. I'll use two different classes as examples 1) Time, Tense, And Temporal Perspective and 2) Ethics Of Killing. In the Time Class, which was an overview I read 20-40 page excerpts from 20(!) different philosophers. Once we worked through the first five we had all the "groundwork" covered; each one afterward were like "variations on a theme". So, for example, 14 of them had a view on what A-Theory Time would look like and how it would fail/succeed. Keeping them all separated would have been *incredibly* difficult, but within my Obsidian I set it up so that each "variation" had it's own note. When there was overlap in some specific theme, I created a Map Of Content note that included links to each of the particular Philosopher's views. So my "Flow Or Passage Of Time" note links to a bunch of more specific notes, each commenting on that. This helped me see connections and overlaps that other people in the class missed because I would create inter-links between notes that were related. It ALSO helped me get a better handle on some of the more difficult topics by seeing it from a bunch of different angles WITHOUT having to compare notebooks. For the Ethics of Killing Class we read a 500 page work by a guy named Jeff McMahan. He covered a TON of ground in the book and was INCREDIBLY fond of making up thought experiments. I ended up creating "Theme" notes for him, where I would just write about whatever topic until he moved on from it (making little sub-notes within whenever I felt it warranted). This ALSO was incredibly useful, because by the end of the book he was talking about things he brought up in the first chapter (like the thought experiments) and I could just open the note I had made and get a quick run-down. In both cases I used an add-on so that I could make footnotes within each note and I linked my Obsidian to Zotero (my bibliography manager). I would footnote my own notes with the page and paragraph number of whatever work I made a note about, sometimes even writing the specific sentence. When the other grad students and I would chat about things I could just go to my note on the topic, read what I wrote, and then (if they wanted to see for themselves) tell them exactly where to find it. It made me look a lot more "together" than I actually felt. I could not have done this with a regular notebook or note-taking method. Personally, I can barely remember WHERE I took notes, let alone what I wrote. AND I wouldn't have been able to transition so easily to and fro when reviewing; if I forgot the difference between the Fetus With Cerebral Deficits thought experiment and the Fetus With Chemical Deficiencies (McMahan had a way of naming everything similarly) I ALREADY had a link between the two that I just clicked on to review and then could close. So, while I understand where Jellyfable was coming from, I actually think it's even MORE useful in a "softer" field of study because I could name the concept whatever I wanted so that way *I* could remember it. For example, McMahan made a distinction between "Interests" and "Time-Relative Interests"... and then just referred to the second of the two as "interests" for the rest of the book. But in all my notes I took I labeled them "Traditional Interests" and "TRIs", which helped keep me from getting confused. This actually saved me a lot of time because, by personalizing, it I could recall what *I* came up with *even when* I couldn't quite remember what McMahan said. I used a similar approach to learning German (using Anki flash-cards, whenever I learned a word I chose a random image on the internet that "felt" like what that word meant) and the "personal association" would help trigger remembering what a word meant, and I feel the Zettlekasten Method had the same type of effect. BUT, and this is something Artem emphasizes; it's personal to everyone. My notes are ULTRA minimal, filled to the brim with quotes, have a million citations, and are hella ADHD-all-over-the-place... but that's just how my mind works. Yours can be entirely different, but I 100% think that REGARDLESS of how you set it up or what field you are studying in the Zettlekasten method will be very useful, and I HIGHLY recommend Obsidian to do it. Artem's other video on how to set up Obsidian was SUPER helpful (though it is a bit outdated, they updated it to make it more user friendly, so you won't need a lot of the plugins he mentions).

[@JeffreysDharma]

So happy to see regular uploads from you despite the ongoing conflict! Your videos are truly invaluable!

[@ArtificesLab]

For maths units I found the best way to approach a lecture was to try to beat the professor at solving the problem. Since we are both handicapped (he was explaining each step while I was new to the problem) I was able to do it more often than not. When I wasn’t, I simply put down my pen and listened until the professor said something that helped me finish it. This helped me become the top student in my maths units.

[@uxus-oh3qk]

Your videos are awesome. As I watch them I find myself taking notes, on how to take notes. I'm using the information you provide to try to formulate a simple 'process' to go about taking notes, memorizing, and managing (and linking) them (also using info from many other vids). I'm really annoyed at our 'Modern Education System' that has never taught this (nor how to actually learn). I've been through 12 years of school, 3 years of technical training, 4 years of university and 20 years of engineering experience, 50 years old and I'm only just learning this from a much younger person who has worked it all out. (shaking head and slapping forehead) 😞

[@ArtemKirsanov]

Wow, that's unbelievable! Thank you so much!! I'd say I'm still really far from having it all worked out, though ;) It is still a work in progress and I'm just sharing stuff I learn along the way

[@ecoconatus8089]

Whish this channel existed when I was in university. The quality of your content and it's useful ness always amaze me. Thank you for helping me implement a zettle system, anki and now this!

[@senseofmindshow]

Excellent explanation and useful insight! I noticed this back in college too! I realized that it was a lot easier to just write down what I didn't understand, rather than every single thing the professor said. Thank you!

[@ArtemKirsanov]

Thanks!! I'm glad you found it helpful ;)

[@annalind1993]

I had experience such uncertainty. During the lockdown it was especially challenging for some reason. I found myself in a senseless scribbling over and over again. This terrible habit wasted my time, energy, and ultimately mental health (caused by anxiety and frustration). The fact is that we have been taught with this outdated approach for a long time. And the point was: “You have to write down everything that the professor say”. After a long time of these practices, it becomes something like obsession, when you have no idea, why are you doing that, but keep doing anyway. Such mindless habit reducing the ability of thinking in the moment and completely distancing you from the subject of study, regardless of it’s importance or interest. And I really hope that I don’t fall into this again. Thank you for reminding us about it, Artem 💙

[@Jusangen]

Point two is huge! As I'm exploring zettelkasten, adult learning, etc., I'm hearing that more and more concepts that we just take for granted now as being the best way to learn, are actually outdated. And even just asking yourself, is this really working for me, may show that it's not optimal. I guess my problem is that I can get board when listening to a lecture if I'm not doing something while I'm listening. (Maybe a minor form of ADD) but taking notes actually keeps me engaged. But that's at a low level I feel. Additionally, I typically don't look at my notes ever again. And now I'm finding all these note books with somewhat old information that isn't pertinent any more. So your video will definitely help guide me as I start building up my zettelkasten and edit through my already, existing notes. Thanks and keep it up!

[@ProgressivePerspektive]

I think this is a reassuring angle, using Anki for specific lecture studying and Zettelkasten for more personal-interest type notes. I've been wondering whether and how to combine these two concepts, but this convinced me to keep them separate

[@anangelsdiaries]

I feel into that exact trap this semester. For basically my entire life I have been going to class just paying attention, interacting and not taking ANY notes. Was great for me. Then with the Obsidian craze, and some fomo I tried taking notes in class. I missed a lot of content because of that, I still did good but ironically I had to do MUCH more studying than I would have done otherwise since instead of making connections in class, I had to do them on my own at home. The fact that I had a computer in front of me and that it's ridiculously easy to drift away didn't help.

[@Jaybearno]

I just binge watched your entire Zettelkasten playlist. Such great content and information densitry. Excited to give it a go.

[@dirkvoltaar]

Finding your videos very helpful. Thanks Artem! You helped me finally figure out how to use Obsidian!

[@alanjk5092]

3:00 - 4:52 4:52 - 7:49

[@TheVikingBunny]

I really appreciate the work you put into your videos. I wish I had had something like this when I was at uni. (I have found this very useful for refining my own work now as a professional adult who needs to read/research and record certain information to be successful at their job). Many thanks 💜👍

[@xJuan-x]

Thank you Artem!

[@roniesantoscardoso8167]

oh oh artem, darling. dont need to apologize for the slight echo in the beggining of the video. I take you ve been used to a higher standart of quality in videos and haven seem much content with Real bad audio. either way, love your content. You re literaly a godsend.

[@matthiasjones]

I just have to say that, having watch 4 of your videos in a row,: 1) all of them were extremely well done and very, very helpful! 2) I found it funny that you were in a different recording space for *every* one of them. 😅

[@anastasianiki8305]

Artem, kudos to you for these great and super useful ideas!! AND as an ELT professional I was amazed by your speaking skills💫👍🏻 stellar! The only itsy-bitsy thing was about the pipeline instead of a required bottomline. But it's an honest mistake considering that pipeline is used much more often within the IT context. Love❤️💪🏻👍🏻

[@lifesrealityis]

Thanks so much for your knowledge managment videos!

[@joshallison153]

Great video Artem, succinct and comprehensive.

[@SaschKrassBass]

I really like the symbol for zettelkasten notes. :)

[@ArtemKirsanov]

I believe it is the icon for a MacOS note-taking app The Archive ( zettelkasten.de/the-archive/ ) I've never used the app myself, but I agree, the icon is really nice ✨

[@SaschKrassBass]

@@ArtemKirsanov I know. I am the co-author. ;)

[@nilscoe3019]

This video is so on point!

[@SaleemRanaAuthor]

I really enjoyed your ideas. May I request that you make a video about atomic notes? My zettlekasten notes and my literature notes are similar. I'd like to learn how to take better notes in the last stage so I can start linking for thinking better.

[@heyhansen268]

Nice you guys are still connected to the global internet Last week I set up my own zettelkasten and love it. Thanks a lot your videos helped me.

[@ArtemKirsanov]

Hahaha, thanks! It's good to hear that!

Great videos. Congratulations Artem

[@romankoval7537]

I hope you will change your location in more safe place than Russia nowadays. Thank very much for your work.

[@skillwill1710]

i absoutely do agree with you brother

[@zestastic1]

While I agree that turning your zettlekasten into another textbook isn't beneficial and pointless, I also still think there is value in putting in information that you can find in textbooks. For example, I study sociology and let's say I'm talking about a certain study that I can find online and is in my textbook. Yes, I could just put down their name and find the study in my book or online, but If I write it down in my own words that helps with better retention. And then, when I make a new note that I want to link to this study, I can link it in-between the note and then if I click on it the study is outlined for me, which I think personally is very valuable when studying. For me instances like these means you are kind of making your own wikipedia page with these hyperlinks. And by having this note I just made with this study, I can then see where else I have used the study and so how I can better use the study in my exam. Then again, everybody has different approaches and everyone should try their own things differently and everything you said in the video I think is great and I haven't heard before, and maybe our approaches are even more different due to STEM vs humanities

[@bobbytromm1850]

How do you decide what ideas should be written as embedding notes, and what should be a Zettelkasten note?

[@marcelthiel1]

I have a question to the aspect: "Don't write anything obvious". For me, it's kinda hard to understand, because anything I learn and get used to, I think is "obvious" but still could be an important aspect for the Zettelkasten. I have like 3 word documents with a lot of information I would like to put in a Zettelkasten system because there are overlapping topics and information, but it's hard to atomize them and take Zettel-notes, because I don't really know where one information ends and another one starts by some more basic stuff that gets further relevant later. Do you have an advice for that?

[@iceteapeche1215]

how did you figure that out since ?

[@bernardofitzpatrick5403]

Great advice man 🤙🏽🙌🏽

[@vijayragav1865]

So I think we can just sit in class to clear our doubts with teachers and make flashcards to test ourselves later. Cool! Also wondering where does cornell notetaking method fits in this system

[@productivity6693]

AMAZING VIDEO

[@nilscoe3019]

Yes!!!

[@unknowninfinium4353]

Video starts at 9:04 guys.

[@tamgaming9861]

Hello Artem, can you tell me please which kind of software do you use at 11:47 ? Thanks a lot

[@luishsteuer1660]

Have you tried RemNote for both SRS and Zettelkasten?

[@artemartemov4162]

Hello. For me you sound like English native speaker. I would really appreciate if you share your method of learning English.

[@ArtemKirsanov]

Hi! Thanks! It's a tough and a very interesting question. Perhaps, I'll be making a separate video about this, because there is a lot to say ;) But in short, I had a brilliant English teacher in high school, who required us to do lots of speaking and explanations. There is also an amazing course titled "Effortless English" by A.J. Hoge ( effortlessenglishclub.com/effortless-english-learn-speak-english-like-native ) which I found immensely helpful

[@artemartemov4162]

@@ArtemKirsanov спасибо за совет! Ждем с нетерпением полноценное видео про английский.

[@elyarpourakbar588]

Artem? I heard you said remnote. Have you transformed from obsidian? And does remnote work for STEM-based knowledge and other branches like humanities?

[@badwerewolf5997]

As a student who studies mathematics, I can say that I do not understand how it is possible not to write lectures completely. Each lecture looks like this definitions->formulations of theorems - >proof. Let's assume that definitions can be taught using flashcards. But proofs of theorems, it is indeed possible to write down an idea, but often knowledge of this idea does not help to reproduce proofs...

[@joaoholanda3021]

I also study math. Instead of writing Lectures I take photos and create a pdf file with them. I have found this more effective as now I can pay attention to the explanation. Later I read the theory on a book and review the notes before doing exercises. The only think I dont do properly is writing down observations and some explanations. Anyway each one has his own way do studying.

[@joelego5767]

Did this help you to actually apply these divergent notes to reach your outcomes? Do you have a more detailed workflow tutorial for this type of notetaking?

[@simoneparvizi775]

On the cellphone there's no video when you say "this video over here " :(

[@alfredobrito4941]

Can a fleeting note be a Zettelkasten note?

[@benitasam9171]

is he edward snowden?????????

[@r.iyushofficial5318]

First

[@arthurfernandes4160]

"Why??"