Mastering Material: Empower MBA Studies through Running Notes 

As MBA students, our academic journey revolves around gaining knowledge, honing strategic thinking, and mastering decision-making skills. In the fast-paced world of business education, the ability to absorb and apply information is crucial. One effective method to achieve this is by taking running notes during class. However, initially, you might be motivated and have a focused goal to achieve, but being consistent can be challenging. 

Therefore, let’s delve into why this practice is so important for MBA students, and you can refer back to this blog whenever you feel a lack of motivation:

Active Engagement and Retention:

When we take running notes, we’re actively engaged in the learning process. Instead of just listening, we’re processing information, identifying key points, and summarising complex ideas. This helps us understand and remember the material better.

Reinforcement of Learning Objectives:

Running notes act as a record of the main ideas and key takeaways from each class session. By reviewing these notes regularly, we reinforce our understanding of important concepts and strengthen our grasp on the subject matter. This iterative process not only solidifies comprehension but also reinforces the connections between different topics, facilitating a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the subject matter.

Organization and Structure:

Taking running notes encourages us to organise information in a structured way. We categorise details into headings, subheadings, and bullet points, making it easier to revisit and study later. This organisation is especially helpful during exam preparation, when it can otherwise get overwhelming to grasp all the portions in a limited time for revision, and also during projects and assignments. 

Personalization and Customization:

Our running notes reflect our individual learning styles and preferences. We can customise them with visuals, diagrams, and other aids like doodling and word play that help us understand and retain the material better. This personalised approach makes our notes more effective as study tools.

Enhancement of Critical Thinking Skills:

When we take running notes, we’re actively analysing and evaluating the information presented. We learn to distinguish between important details and peripheral information, honing our critical thinking skills in the process. We can identify patterns and connections and distil complex ideas into digestible snippets. By honing their ability to discern relevance and prioritise information, students develop invaluable analytical skills that are essential for success in the business world. This also helps us ask questions, clear any doubts that might arise, coax us to find knowledge beyond the resources given to us, and also expand our horizons on the subjects.

Preparation for Future Applications:

The habit of taking running notes instils skills that are valuable beyond the classroom. In professional settings, the ability to quickly capture and synthesise information is essential. Mastering this skill during our MBA studies prepares us for success in our future careers.

In conclusion, taking running notes during class is a fundamental practice that enhances learning, promotes active engagement, and fosters critical thinking skills among MBA students. By embracing this habit, we can optimise our academic experience, deepen our understanding of course material, and prepare ourselves for success in the business world.

By Grace DSilva

gracedsilva2020@gmail.com