The benefits of creating SketchNotes and visual learning

Why sketchnote?

The use of pictures, colour, and a variety of text sizes and fonts can go a long way when it comes to retention of notes and lessons. I continuously hear professors recommending note-taking to be on paper because it maximizes comprehension. This is for the most part because writing forces you to summarize and only write down the important points, requiring for you to actually understand the topic and creating active learning. Typing on the other hand, allows you to copy down slides word for word, which often results in passive learning. I would fully agree with this, because I find myself remembering the pictures that I draw instead of the words. For example, in my link to practice notebook, I remember a specific graph that I made reflecting the energy changes in the classroom, whereas I cannot remember what I wrote on that topic. This a useful strategy for learners of all ages.

What is sketchnoting?

Notes that are very visual with large titles, drawings, and is overall interesting. Not only does this increase understanding, but it helps some focus while in class. It can be helpful to have something to do with your hands that keeps you on task, especially if the topic is boring.

Examples of other sketchnotes can be found on my Free Inquiry feed, where I drew pictures to accompany signs in my notebook. In this case, it wasn’t just to improve understanding, but it was necessary to have a picture of the signs as it is a visual skill.

A useful website: How to Sketchnote