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How Should I Make Notes?

Published in Study Skills 3 mins read

Effective note-taking involves active listening, summarizing key information, and structuring notes for easy recall. Here's a breakdown of how to take better notes:

1. During the Lecture/Reading:

  • Listen Actively: Focus on understanding the main ideas and supporting details. Don't try to write down everything verbatim.

  • Write Succinctly: Use short, clear sentences to capture the essence of the information.

  • Use Abbreviations and Symbols: Develop a personal shorthand system to save time (e.g., "w/" for "with," "+" for "and," "->" for "leads to").

  • Identify Key Points: Pay attention to cues from the speaker/writer (e.g., emphasis, repetition, introductory phrases).

2. Note-Taking Techniques:

  • Linear Notes: Traditional method, good for sequential information.

    • Example:
      Topic: Photosynthesis
- Definition: Process plants use to convert light energy into chemical energy.
- Reactants: CO2 + H2O
- Products: Glucose + O2

  • Cornell Notes: Divides the page into three sections: notes, cues, and summary.

    • Notes: Main section for recording information during the lecture/reading.
    • Cues: Narrow column for keywords, questions, or prompts to aid recall. Filled in after the lecture/reading.
    • Summary: Section at the bottom for summarizing the main points of the page. Filled in after the lecture/reading.

  • Mind Maps: Visual representation of information, good for brainstorming and connecting ideas.

    • Central Idea: Place the main topic in the center of the page.
    • Branches: Radiate outward with related concepts and details.
    • Keywords and Images: Use concise language and visuals to represent ideas.

3. After the Lecture/Reading:

  • Review and Revise: Go over your notes as soon as possible to fill in gaps, clarify ambiguities, and correct errors. Repetition is key!

  • Summarize Key Concepts: Condense the main ideas into your own words.

  • Elaborate and Connect: Add examples, explanations, and connections to other concepts to deepen your understanding.

  • Use Visual Aids: Pictures are easier to remember, so add diagrams, charts, or drawings to your notes if applicable.

  • Color-Coding (Optional): If you like color-coding, do it after the initial note-taking to highlight relationships and categorize information. Avoid overdoing it.

4. Digital vs. Handwritten Notes:

  • Handwritten Notes: Can improve retention and understanding due to the physical act of writing.
  • Digital Notes: Offer advantages such as searchability, organization, and easy editing. Choose the method that best suits your learning style and the demands of the situation.

5. General Tips:

  • Be Organized: Use a consistent system for dating and labeling your notes.
  • Use Headings and Subheadings: To structure your notes logically.
  • Practice Active Recall: Test yourself on the material regularly.

Effective note-taking is a personalized process, so experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you. The goal is to create a set of notes that you can easily understand and use to review and learn the material.

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