Doodle Your Way to Better Notes

Can doodles help you stay focused in class? 
 
In the past, teachers commonly reprimanded students for doodling in class. However, according to a 2009 study published in the Applied Cognitive Psychology journal, Plymouth University professor Jackie Andrade showed that doodling helps increase focus and attention while you listen and learn. Try these tips to find your inner-doodler!

Who said notes have to be ordinary?  
 
We all know that one classmate who feverishly tries to transcribe the lecture word-for-word. Parts of the message are sure to be missed. After all, note-taking is about retention, not thoroughness. Alternatively, use your Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens to add artistic touches to your notes to engage both sides of your brain. The doodles deter you from zoning out – and keep you on track to recording the points that really matter.

So what to doodle?  
 
That’s the fun of it! Your doodles are up to you. There are no rules. Boxes, arrows or swirls – whatever keeps you involved. Change things up with contrasting Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pen colours.

• Remember, this is not art class! 

• Focus on writing down the essential ideas and concepts. 

• Add artistic details to help you remember the information. 

• Consider ways to connect the lessons to real-world examples. 

• Be spontaneous – the less you think about it, the better the result.