Mastering the Art of Academic Diligence

Mastering the Art of Academic Diligence: Take Notes and Cite Your Sources

Janpha Thadphoothon

In a world overflowing with information, the ability to capture knowledge and attribute it correctly is more than just a skill—it’s a vital habit for any lifelong learner. In a recent episode of English in the Garden, Janpha, an English teacher based in Bangkok, shared some timeless wisdom from his personal collection of "words of wisdom".

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1. Make Note-Taking a Habit

One of the most important learning habits you can develop is the practice of taking notes. Whether you prefer the "old school" method of a pen and a small notebook or the modern convenience of a smartphone, the act of recording information is essential. It is still necessary even in the age of AI.

Why is this so important? I would like to point out that our memory is unpredictable and it can go away. We often take for granted that we will remember a great idea or a specific detail, but the reality is that we cannot remember everything and often times our memories play tricks on us too. Taking notes ensures that those valuable insights are preserved for later use.

2. The Power of Proper Citation

If you are working on a paper or conducting research, note-taking is only half the battle. You must also master the art of citation and referencing. It is incredibly easy to overlook or skip the step of acknowledging your sources, but it is a fundamental part of academic integrity. You should put the date on when take notes, too.

Whether you are pulling information from the internet, journals, magazines, or books, you must learn how to:

• Quote correctly

• Acknowledge the original authors.

• Reference various formats like newspapers and book chapters.

3. Revise and Reflect

The video emphasizes that these practices aren't just for students; they are for anyone looking to improve their language skills or professional expertise. By taking notes and citing sources, you create a trail of your learning journey that you can return to, revise, and refine over time.

My own book, Learning English from Reading Quotations and Words of Wisdom, is a testament to this—it is a compilation of my own life lessons and "wisdom" that he has noted down over the years.

Final Thought:

As you continue your journey in learning English or any other subject, remember the golden rule: Take notes, cite your sources, and keep revising your knowledge.

For more tips on improving your English language skills and becoming a better learner, check out the full video by Janpha Channel here: No. 66# Take notes and cite sources.