There are several ways you can take notes, each dependent on your own learning style and preference. Here are some of the most common ways to take notes with their advantages and disadvantages listed below.
- Paper and pencil
- Advantages: Reinforces learning the information through the act of writing, allows you to summarize the content in your own words
- Disadvantages: Can be difficult for slow writers, handwriting may not always be neat or legible, can get lost with other course papers/items
- Using a word processor on a computer, laptop, or mobile device
- Advantages: Typing is faster than writing, can be highlighted and edited as needed, notes can be shared electronically with others
- Disadvantages: Less engaging than writing, may not be allowed in certain settings (instructors may not allow laptops or electronic devices in class), not all word processors are compatible on mobile devices, documents can be deleted
- Recording lectures
- Advantages: All information is obtained from the lecture, can be helpful if you miss the original lecture or class.
- Disadvantages: Locating information you need from it can be time consuming, can be deleted from the device not saved properly
How should I organize and store my notes?
Depending on your preferences, there are many ways to organize and store the notes you take for a course. Common ways that you can store your notes are listed below.
Storing Paper Notes
- Binders with loose leaf paper, folders, etc.
- Advantages: Keeps all your notes in one place, prevents notes from getting damaged, freedom to organize and re-organize them over time, can use color coded binders for different subjects/courses
- Disadvantages: Limited space depending on binder size, bulkier to carry and store, may need replacing over time due to usual wear and tear
- Composition or spiral notebooks
- Advantages: Contains lined paper for clean writing, easy to carry and store, can use color coded spirals for different subjects/courses
- Disadvantages: Limited space, susceptible to water damage or usual wear and tear, cannot be reorganized
- Folders
- Advantages: Protects notes from damage, easy to carry and store
- Disadvantages: Can get out of order, notes can unknowingly fall out, limited space
Storing Electronic Notes
- Computer/laptop programs
- Google Docs
- Advantages: Saves notes automatically, can be shared with others, notes are downloadable to other file formats, can be edited at any time
- Disadvantages: Requires an internet connection
- Microsoft Word
- Advantages: Can be accessed offline
- Disadvantages: Does not save your progress automatically, program must be installed to your device
- Notepad/Wordpad
- Advantages: Available on most laptops and computers, simple functions
- Disadvantages: Files may not be compatible with other programs
- Tablets
- Advantages: Portable and easy to carry, touch screen functions
- Disadvantages: Does not have a physical keyboard
- Mobile devices
- Advantages: Portable and easy to carry, touch screen functions
- Disadvantages: Small screen, does not have a physical keyboard
*Using electronic devices to take notes can be very distracting, so maintain a degree of self-discipline when you are using them!
The following video by Thomas Frank provides a overview of the best ways to take notes and covers general tips to ensure your notes are thorough and effective.
