You want to improve your training measures and are looking for new methods – for online and offline? Then why not try the Sketchnote method and design your next learning unit creatively and sustainably.
Doodles as a Creative Learning Method?
We say yes! Because: People usually think in pictures, but they only speak in terms and sentences. This often makes it difficult for us to remember purely spoken content. So-called Sketchnotes can be a good support, as they present knowledge in a simplified manner. They fulfill the task of making content more understandable. As a trainer, you can use this method to elaborate on the central points of the last meeting in the form of sketches and individual terms to bring these closer to your participants and remind them again.
But what are Sketchnotes actually? They are a creative form of note-taking. These usually consist of small drawings or doodles that can be used instead of – or in combination with – text. In particular, complex issues can be visualized with the help of a skillful mix of images, texts, and structures and are more accessible to learners.
Present complex content in a simplified way with Sketchnotes.
Three Reasons Why You Should Give Sketchnotes a Chance:
Double Anchoring in Memory – By combining visual and textual content, engagement with a topic is promoted. This contributes to comprehensibility, as different approaches to the discussed content are enabled.
Automatic Filtering of Information – Sketchnoting forces your participants to select perceived content, making the notes more precise and meaningful.
Active Listening – Learners automatically listen better thanks to this method, as they can focus on a visual note-taking and do not have to take your words verbatim. This directs the focus to important key points.
You Can Use the Sketchnote Method in Different Ways:
It is particularly helpful for remembering content, as Sketchnotes are a good alternative to conventional minutes, as they narrow down issues to their main message.
Gaining new content is also easier, as learners can quickly gain an overview of a topic. And on top of that, you address visual learners particularly strongly!
During a face-to-face event, Sketchnotes can increase your participants' engagement, as drawing along requires active listening.
Finally, we recommend the Sketchnote method for the development of new thoughts, ideas, and concepts, even in group contexts.
A Tip for You: Try using Sketchnotes for the follow-up of your last face-to-face event to visually illustrate the key points to your participants. Or have your participants brainstorm using this method for the upcoming session!
Sketchnotes as a Suitable Method for Creative Brainstorming.
Basic Elements for Your First Sketchnotes:
In principle, you can build your Sketchnotes however you like. The only thing that matters is that you make notes that you understand! A simple Sketchnote can consist of an image and individual words, for example. If you want to make it more complex, the following elements are suitable:
Bullet Points to bring more structure to short lists
(e.g., dots, checkmarks, ...)Boxes or Containers to highlight individual statements
(e.g., speech bubbles, signs, ...)Separation and Connection Elements to show relationships or differences
(e.g., arrows, lines, curly brackets, ...)Symbols to clarify important insights
(e.g., light bulbs, flags, ...)Typography to clearly mark headings
(e.g., bold text, border lines, ...)Figures to make content more human
(e.g., stick figures, round characters, ...)Emotions and Faces to increase expressiveness
(e.g., happy face, sad smiley, ...)
This is what your Sketchnotes might look like.
Remember the principle: “Ideas, not Art!” – because Sketchnotes don’t have to be beautiful; they serve only as a simple summary of various contents or results!
The Method in an Online Course?
Sketchnotes as a Creative Tool: This is one of the 40 methods from the blink.it rocket pack! All methods are especially designed for blended learning – that is, for application in digital training and in combination with face-to-face events.
On 40 cards in the rocket pack, you’ll learn how you can make your training measures even more effective!
On the left, you can see how our rocket pack playing cards are structured. Want to know more? Then find out more about the rocket pack now or get your own copy directly!
P.S.: As a new customer, you will receive a rocket pack for free! 😉
