You want to improve your training measures and are looking for new methods – for online and offline? Then try the Sketchnote method and creatively and sustainably design your next learning unit.
Doodles as a Creative Learning Method?
We say yes! Because: People usually think in pictures, but speak only in terms and sentences. As a result, we often struggle to remember solely spoken content. So-called Sketchnotes can be a good support as they present knowledge in a simplified way. They serve the purpose of making content more understandable. As a trainer, you can use this method, for example, to summarize the key points of the last meeting in the form of sketches and individual terms to bring them closer to your participants and remind them again.
But what are Sketchnotes actually? They are a creative form of notation. Typically, these consist of small drawings or doodles that can be used instead of – or combined with – text. In particular, complex issues can be visualized with the help of a clever mix of images, texts, and structures, making them more accessible to learners.
Present complex content in a simplified way using 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 encouraged. This contributes to understanding as it allows for different approaches to the discussed content.
Automatic Filtering of Information – Sketchnoting forces your participants to select the information they absorb, making their notes more precise and meaningful.
Active Listening – Learners automatically listen better thanks to this method, as they can focus on a visual note-taking instead of taking your words verbatim. This directs the focus to important key statements.
You Can Use the Sketchnote Method in Different Ways:
It is particularly helpful for remembering content, as Sketchnotes are a good alternative to common minutes, condensing issues to their core statements.
The discovery of new content is also easier, as learners can quickly get an overview of a topic. And on top of that, you particularly appeal to visual learners!
During a face-to-face event, Sketchnotes can increase your participants’ engagement, as the act of drawing requires active listening.
Lastly, 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 content for your participants. Or let your participants brainstorm with this method for the upcoming session!
Sketchnotes as a suitable method for creative brainstorming.
Basic Elements for Your First Sketchnotes:
Basically, you can structure your Sketchnotes however you like. What matters is that you take notes that you understand! A simple Sketchnote might consist of an image and single words. If you want to make it more complex, the following elements can be useful:
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 illustrate relationships or differences
(e.g., arrows, lines, curly braces, …)Symbols to clarify important insights
(e.g., lightbulb, flags, …)Typography to more clearly mark headings
(e.g., bold text, border lines, …)Figures to make content more human-like
(e.g., stick figures, round figures, …)Emotions and Faces to increase expressiveness
(e.g., happy face, sad smiley, …)
This is what your Sketchnotes could look like.
Remember the principle: “Ideas, not Art!” – because Sketchnotes do not have to be beautiful, they merely serve as a simple summary of various content or results!
The Method in Online Courses?
Sketchnotes as a creative tool: This is one of the 40 methods from the blink.it rocket pack! All methods are particularly designed for blended learning – meaning for application in digital training combined with face-to-face events.
On 40 cards, you will learn in the rocket pack how to make your training measures even more effective!
On the left, you can see how our rocket pack playing cards are structured. Interested in more? Then learn more about the rocket pack now or get your own copy directly!
PS: As a new customer, you receive a rocket pack for free! 😉
