The RRR (Remark, Reflect, Reference) Note-taking technique

I thought I knew how to take notes. Capture the key points, write them down, and review them later. Simple, right? But my notes were a jumbled mess, and I forgot the material as quickly as I learned it.

Not surprisingly, that approach failed me time and again – until I learned about the RRR technique.

What is the RRR technique for note-taking?

Want to remember more of what you learn? The RRR technique will enhance your note-taking and boost your retention.

RRR stands for Remark, Relate, Reference. Nick Milo introduced this note-making technique in his Linking Your Thinking Workshop to help people create meaningful, interconnected notes.

How it works:

Remark: Restate the idea in your own words on a new note. What stands out to you? What’s your interpretation or reaction? Adding your own observations makes the material more memorable.
Relate: Connect the new note to one of your existing notes/ideas. How does it relate to your existing knowledge or experiences? Drawing these links helps your brain integrate and retain the information.
Reference: Cite the source of the new note/idea. Note the source on your new note so you can easily find it again when needed. Proper citation also keeps your information reliable and traceable.

Using guided questions can help you actively engage with the material, make connections, and identify key insights.

“That reminds me…”
This question encourages you to relate new information to your existing knowledge and experiences. When you come across a concept, idea, or fact that triggers a memory or association, jot it down. By linking new learning to prior knowledge, you create a stronger, more interconnected web of understanding.
“It’s similar because…”
Drawing comparisons between new material and familiar concepts helps your brain organize and categorize information more effectively. When you encounter something that shares characteristics with a topic you already know, make a note of those similarities.
“It’s different because…”
Just as important as noting similarities is identifying what sets new information apart. When you encounter something that contrasts with your existing knowledge or expectations, mark those distinctions in your notes.
“It’s important because…”
This prompt pushes you to consider the significance and implications of what you’re learning. When you encounter a fact, statistic, or idea that strikes you as particularly consequential, note down why it matters.

Using these four questions as a framework for your note-taking transforms the process from passive recording to active sense-making. You’ll find yourself more engaged with the material, better able to connect new ideas to existing ones, and more attuned to the nuances and significance of what you’re learning.

As you integrate these questions into your regular note-taking routine, you may find that they become second nature – a reflexive part of how you process and internalize new information. You’ll start to make connections, draw comparisons, and identify key takeaways more automatically.

The beauty of this approach is that it enhances your understanding and sets you up for more effective review and retention. When you revisit your notes later, you’ll have personal connections, comparisons, and insights to draw upon, making it easier to reactivate and apply your knowledge in new contexts.

Why it’s powerful

The RRR method gets you actively engaging with content, not just passively copy-pasting. You’re forced to think critically, make connections, and document your sources – all habits that lead to deeper understanding.

Relating new ideas to familiar ones leverages the way our brains naturally work. We learn best when we hook fresh information onto established mental frameworks. The RRR process guides you in doing this deliberately.

Referencing instils good scholarly practices while creating a web of linked knowledge. You build up a rich, navigable network of concepts, making later review and application much easier.

Example of the RRR technique in action

Imagine you come across a passage about cognitive dissonance:

Remark: Reading a psychology textbook and writing the following note: “The concept of cognitive dissonance explains why people often justify their poor decisions.”
Relate: Connecting the remark note to an existing note on decision-making, writing: “This relates to my note on heuristics in decision-making, as both concepts explain how our minds process conflicting information.”
Reference: Adding a citation to the original source, such as “Smith, J. (2023). Introduction to Psychology, p. 156.”

See how much richer those notes are than just copying the definition of cognitive dissonance? With RRR, you’re well on your way to remembering and applying the concept in the future.

Make it a habit

Use the RRR technique in your note-taking practice for school, work and personal learning. It may feel awkward at first, but stick with it. Over time, it will become automatic, and your retention and understanding will benefit.

The RRR technique has the power to transform your learning.

By remarking on key ideas, relating them to prior knowledge, and referencing credible sources, you build a robust network of interconnected information that sticks.

The next time you read an article, watch a lecture or attend a meeting, consciously apply the Remark-Relate-Reference steps. See how it clarifies your thinking, strengthens your retention, and gives you a richer understanding of any subject..