When comparing JEE Main preparation to a marathon versus a sprint, the fact that it requires consistent effort for a longer duration, strong conceptual knowledge, and effective study techniques is vital to successful preparation. There is a frequent question that arises for aspirants of JEE Main regarding whether note-taking would be of any benefit to students preparing for the exam. There is no straightforward yes/no answer to this question because theft is dependent on how effectively the student learns, as well as their ability to use different types of notes efficiently.
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The main premise of the exam itself is that the exam does not provide any advantages to those students who use memory techniques effectively for replication purposes; instead, the exam tests how well the student understands concepts and how well the student will be able to implement these concepts under the pressure of time constraints.
The process of taking notes allows the student to turn information that would normally be just listening or reading into an active process; by writing notes down using your own words, you allow the brain to process information at a deeper level. This is particularly useful when dealing with educational materials such as physics and chemistry, where logic, derivations and relationships are more important than memorising formulas.
Direct benefits of note-taking
Revision is one of the most significant direct benefits of note-taking for JEE aspirants: With the vastness of the JEE syllabus, it is practically impossible to revise from so many bulky textbooks and long recording sessions of lectures as the exam approaches. Student-created notes can function as a quick reference guide. A few pages with concise key concepts, formulas, exceptions, and major reactions allow students to efficiently refresh their memories. These notes can save time and decrease any pre-exam nerves during the last months and particularly the last few days before the exam.
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However, effective use of notes is possible when notes are created correctly. A common mistake made by students is to write down everything that the teacher states in class, or to transcribe the entire chapter word for word from the textbook into the notebook. This practice consumes both a great deal of time and also creates a great deal of mental fatigue for the student.
The JEE Main Exam does not test the number of words that a student has written or copied during preparation. It tests how well a student understands and applies concepts. Notes that are created in a concise manner are more efficient than lengthy narratives. Graphical representations in the form of flowcharts, diagrams, and short summaries are much more effective than lengthy explanations.
An example of another successful method of note-taking is creating an error notebook. Students should keep track of mistakes made on practice tests and questions so they can focus their studies on the areas where they made mistakes. Keeping an error notebook will help students become more accurate and build confidence in their testing abilities. Additionally, creating a list of difficult or frequently asked questions and their answers will help students develop speed and accuracy when solving problems, and therefore improve their ability to succeed in JEE Main.
However, while keeping a note of errors is a beneficial method for many students, it is not a requirement for everyone. Some students prefer to work through many problems and review from a textbook on a specific subject.
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Other students are very good at remembering what they have studied without having to write down notes. The most important factor is whether or not a student’s study method helps them understand the material, prepares them for revising efficiently for exams, and ultimately, to achieve higher scores.
The right method for each student will differ, and therefore, there is not a single study method that will work for all students in preparing for JEE. With the growth in technology available for creating notes, many students today use tablets, stylus pens, and apps that allow them to capture information anywhere at any time and arrange all that information quickly and simply into one location. The primary aim of taking notes—whether done by hand or digitally—is the same; it focuses on providing clarity and making it easy for you to quickly go through your notes during study sessions.
Although taking notes is not a definitive necessity to be successful on JEE Main, it certainly does have a major impact on how well your study material is organised, improves the way you understand information and assist in revising for test day in a more organised manner. Rather than focusing on whether or not note taking is necessary, ask yourself whether the method you are currently using allows you to learn better. Ultimately, the keys to JEE Main are not in how many notes you have filled up in a notebook; but rather your ability to think clearly, practice diligently and consistently, and be able to focus on your studies.
(Dr Saurabh Kumar is the founder and CEO at Shiksha Nation)
