What is Note-Taking?
In a nutshell, Note-Taking means writing down the most important parts of a reading or lecture so you can review them later to study or work out the tough parts you didn't understand the first time.
Note-Taking Methods
Notes are for personal use, but the more organized and coherent they are, the more helpful they become. Streamline your notes with one of these tried-and-true methods.
Outlining
WHAT: This big-picture method involves organizing your notes by chapter, section, and topic. Think Table of Contents, but filled in with notes. HOW: Create a skeleton of the course lesson structure found in your textbook’s table of contents, course syllabus, or course schedules. Copy over headings, bullet points, and indentations to ensure a perfectly organized home for future notes. WHEN: Outlining works for classes that follows a clear lesson structure, except those involving lots of graphs or formulas, like math or chemistry.
Outlining Examples:
Charting
WHAT: This method involves using a table to organize certain notes by category for efficient comparison and memorization. HOW: Make a table, with each row and column assigned a single category or topic. Fill in squares with relevant information from reading or lecture notes. WHEN: When multiple items or concepts are compared simultaneously, or when one topic is dissected into multiple parts.
Charting Examples:
Cornell Notes
WHAT: This popular method involves taking, organizing, and summarizing notes for maximum comprehension. HOW: Before class, divide your paper into three sections: the Cue Column takes up the left 2.5," of the page, the Notes Column occupies the right 6," and the Summary Section sits at the bottom 2." In class, take notes in the Notes Column. After class, use the Cue Column to write down main ideas, key questions, or keywords for quick reference, making sure to put them directly across from their supporting notes in the Notes Column (as shown below). Then briefly summarize that day's notes in the Summary Section. WHEN: In classes that cover a lot of detailed information quickly, especially ones involving formulas and graphs, like math or chemistry.
Cornell Notes Examples:
Mapping
WHAT: For you visual learners, this method involves diagramming notes to see the big picture…literally. HOW: Start with the main idea or subject and, from there, branch off (or make a spider diagram) with details and subtopics in a way that makes sense, connects ideas, and shows relationships. WHEN: When you’re having trouble understanding how subjects, topics, and subtopics are connected.
Mapping Examples:
FLOWCHART (Mapping’s close cousin)
WHAT: This method involves using notes to create a step-by-step process or procedure for solving a problem. HOW: Create a decision or action path that depends on different input variables, usually answers to a sequence of Yes/No questions. Directional arrows recommended! WHEN: When you need help understanding or remembering the order of questions to ask, or steps to take, in analyzing a particular problem.
Writing on Slides
WHAT: This method involves taking lecture notes on the very lecture slides provided by the instructor. HOW: Print slides with note lines, as shown below, and bring them to class. Use that space to expand key concepts shown on the slides. Later, you’ll know exactly what your instructor said during each slide. WHEN: During class or video lecture.
How to print for writing on slides:
There you have it! Six tried-and-true note-taking methods. Click the button below to download a quick-reference guide.
Note-Taking Strategies
Now that you have explored different note-taking methods, let’s talk strategies! Watch this video from JetPens to learn some great techniques and resources for taking notes.
1. Handwritten v. Typed
While handwriting is better for learning and memory formation, typing is better for speed and the convenience of revising, copying, sharing, and saving notes. Things to consider.
2. Add dates & topics at the top
To remember exactly where and when certain topics were discussed in class or readings, write the date/chapter/topic at the top of each note-taking session. It will make it easier to find what you’re looking for later.
3. Identify what is and is not worth writing down
Your notes should summarize the best of what you learn for quick reference. If they're just as long and detailed as the source, later you won’t be able to tell what is worth studying. Instead of writing down everything your professor says, only capture the information you could be tested on: main ideas, key facts, important definitions, major examples, etc. Listen for cues, like emphasizing, restating a point, or changing tone of voice. It takes practice, so don't give up!
4. Come to class prepared
Before class, review notes from the last class. It will get you up to speed and prime you for the next class.
5. Pay attention
Good note-taking requires undivided, undistracted attention. In class, quiet your phone, sit near the speaker, plan to ask questions, go with the intent to listen and not just hear. Outside of class, study wherever you can lock in—aka, not in bed, next to a blaring TV or buzzing phone, or in a noisy coffee shop with chatty friends.
6. Review notes while they’re fresh
You'll remember more by reviewing class notes within 24-48 hours after taking them. Organize them in a way that makes sense for you, fix errors, fill gaps, clarify information, delete redundancies, trim excess. If you wait, you won’t be able to remember what you were trying to say, let alone what your professor actually said.
7. Abbreviate
Since professors speak faster than you can write or type, use symbols and abbreviations to capture more and avoid falling behind. This goes especially for long words or phrases appearing frequently in books and lectures. Feel free to use the examples below or invent your own.
Click below to download a quick-reference guide on note-taking strategies.
You can do this!!
While there is no one-size-fits-all formula for achieving success in college, developing effective study strategies such as note-taking will increase your chances. These strategies can help you stay engaged and focused during class, as well as foster a deeper understanding of the material, leading to better academic performance and a better overall college experience.