How to Use Sketch Notes for OET Review

Are you tired of staring at chunks of text when you study? Want to deviate from your usual note-taking habits—maybe by adding visual elements to your notes—without sacrificing your notes’ efficiency and coherence? Try sketchnoting! Read on to find out what it is, what you can get out of it, and how to use it to enhance your OET training center course.

What is Sketchnoting?

Sketchnoting is a visual notetaking technique. Instead of relying on bullets, outlines, and block texts, it uses pictures, lines, shapes, doodles, typography, and other visual elements to record and share information. It’s closely related to doodling.

Why Use Sketchnoting in the OET Classroom?

Aside from breaking the monotony of block and bullet notetaking, sketchnoting has a lot of advantages. Here are some of them.

• Increases Efficiency – Sketchnoting is a great way to jot down notes during fast-paced discussions in your OET training center.
• Enhances Memory – A study showed that people who used visual notes when recording and interpreting information retained 29 percent more information than those who didn’t.
• Challenges the Mind – When you sketchnote, you either draw out the literal representation of the information or your own interpretation of it. Both stimulate your cognitive faculties by challenging you to think outside of the box.

All of these benefits will give you an edge in your OET preparation course.

How to Use Sketchnotes for OET Review

Want to utilize sketchnoting in your next classes at your OET training center? Consider the tips below to learn how to utilize it successfully.

• Have the essentials. No, you don’t need to buy any sort of special pen or paper. Having the following will do.

ü  An unlined notebook – one that’s large enough so that you won’t feel restricted when you sketchnote. You can get a sketchpad if you can’t find a blank notebook.

ü  Pens – Ballpoint pens are ideal for smooth sketching. Felt tip pens are also recommended. Get two pens so you’ll have a backup in case the one you’re using runs out of ink.

ü  Colored pens or markers – To spice up your notes! 

• Practice before your classes. Like any other notetaking technique, sketchnoting takes some getting used to. You’ll likely won’t get the hang of it on your first try. So, to ensure that you know what you’re doing during your OET training class, practice at home. Listen to various audio materials and sketchnote!

• Get your doodling game on. Practice your drawing skills as often as you can. Keep a small notebook with you wherever you go. And, whenever time allows, doodle what you see. 

• Keep your sketchnotes clear and simple. Remember, you’re not drawing for an art exhibit. You’re drawing for your review! As long as you can understand what you’ve drawn afterwards, you’re good to go!

Enhance your OET review! Take up sketchnoting to spice up your notes. Want to learn more tips and tricks to supercharge your OET preparation course? Check out our blog here!

References:

Gammill, Deidra. "The Benefits of Using Doodling and Sketchnotes in the Classroom." Education Week. February 28, 2018. Accessed May 30, 2018. https://www.edweek.org/tm/articles/2016/01/04/the-benefits-of-using-doodling-and-sketchnotes.html.

Magain, Matthew. “Sketchnoting 101: How To Create Awesome Visual Notes.” UX Mastery. September 17, 2012. Accessed May 30, 2018. https://uxmastery.com/sketchnoting-101-how-to-create-awesome-visual-notes/

“Sketchnoting in the Classroom.” Schrock Guide. Accessed May 30, 2018. http://www.schrockguide.net/sketchnoting.html

“Sketchnotes: The What, Why, and How of Visual Note-Taking.” Blog Learning Bird. Accessed May 30, 2018. https://blog.learningbird.com/sketchnotes-the-what-why-and-how-of-visual-note-taking/

“The Benefits of Using Doodling and Sketchnotes in the Classroom.” Edweek. Accessed May 30, 2018. https://www.edweek.org/tm/articles/2016/01/04/the-benefits-of-using-doodling-and-sketchnotes.html