Taking Better Notes Toolbox
Many students feel like they take good notes until they really need to study from there and the notes look like a secret code and there's no cipher. There is not a one-size-fits-all to note-taking, instead there are many different methods, technics, tools, and strategies. What matters most is finding what works for you.
Why take notes?
Even if your class does not require taking notes (most don't in college), you should still take notes to record what's being discussed in class, stay focused in class, and have material to study for as an exam approaches.
Things to Consider
Write or Type
Before we start to take notes, we have to consider the way we're taking notes -- are you allowed to takes notes on a device or is only writing allowed? Is your handwriting mostly self-legable? Some research shows that handwriting helps us learn better; however, any note taking is better than no note taking so use whatever works best for you.
Note-Taking While Reading
While reading for class, you should also consider "taking notes" though they won't look the same as taking notes during lectures. Instead, while reading, it's about highlighting/underlining key words, concepts, thoughts that you want to be able to find easily on a second read. If you highlight everything, nothing is highlighted. SQ3R and THIEVES are both great reading strategies to give a try.
Free Form or Structure
Some people prefer to take free form notes "live" then worry about applying structor to them after either through redoing them or margin labeling. Other people prefer use a structor from the very beginning, dividing their notes area, using different colors, or following a certain style. What works best for you is what matters most and it can often be class-specific. Don't be afraid to try something new from time-to-time to see how it goes.
Free Form Strategies
Doodling
Some people find it helpful to doodling in class with purpose. As long as what you're doodling makes sense to you and can connect to the concepts at hand, there is no reason you have to use words to take notes.
Notes Summary (pdf or Qualtrics)
Notes Summary pull out the most important informations from the quickly written notes you took in class to help process what you learned in class.
Structured Strategies
Cornell Notes (pdf or html)
Cornell Notes is a popular note-taking strategy that is rooted in segmented information -- Notes, Key Information, and Summarize.
Mind Mapping (pdf or html)
Mind Mapping is a visualization technique to help you visualize and understand a topic. A mind map starts with a central idea in the center with related topics and ideas branching out from the center.
Shorthand and Shortcuts
As your taking notes no matter the strategy, you should not feel the need to write every word that is said or even write out full words or sentences. Coming up with shorthand words or symbols for frequent ideas can help save time and keep notes cleaner. Simple examples of this is using "w/" for "with" or "CNXT" for "context". The shorthand only needs to make sense to you. If you're typing notes, consider what shortcuts you can increase effeciency.
Stoplight Your Material
After completing your notes, return with green, yellow, and red highlighters. For information you know really well, highlight it green; information you almost know it but it still trips you up, highlight yellow; and information you are very unsure about, highlight red. This gives you a layout of what to focus on while studying.
Tips and Tricks
Before the Lecture
Complete the assigned reading to familiarize yourself with key vocabulary and concepts. Consider what questions arise as your read to guide your listening during the lecture.
Find out or request for the slides to be available ahead of time so you can take notes alongside the slides, instead of copying them into your notes.
Connect with a classmate to see if you can divide the labor of notetaking or meet up later to compare notes after class
During the Lecture
If the material is conceptual, focus on the main points, rather than copying down the entire presentation.
If the material is factual, writing down verbatim can help, but only if you review the information within 24 hours.
Ask yourself, “Why is my teacher giving me this information?”. Build understanding by considering the context around the topic.
After the Lecture
Review your notes and fill in any missing gaps.
Check in with a classmate to compare notes.
Review for a short period of time every day to increase your recall of the material.
If you were unable to redefine, clarify or understand information in your notes, take it to the professor, tutoring services, or a study group.