Here are some quick tips that can help keep your notes on track:
- Write clearly. Your notes will not be effective if you cannot read them!
- If you are taking notes from a recorded lecture or video, you can pause the video to gather your thoughts and write down ideas.
- Use blank paper space to separate topics, especially if the instructor moves on to a new topic during class ("Chapter 11: Note-Taking Strategies," n.d.)
- Stay organized by keeping notes and handouts for each class separated ("Chapter 11: Note-Taking Strategies," n.d.).
- Abbreviate to write faster
- Use a color coding system with highlighters or colored pens to highlight the most important material and to categorize concepts.
- Group together similar concepts to make memorization easier ("Chapter 11: Note-Taking Strategies," n.d.).
- Refer to the class syllabus for context
- Use study guides and review materials to aid in reviewing the material
- Listen for key phrases in a lecture that indicate that the following information is significant (Frank, 2017).
- "This will likely be on an exam."
- "This concept will help you understand the next chapter."
- "Pay attention, this next slide is important."
- Pay attention to a lecturer if they repeat the same information. If they do, this is a good sign that it is critical information to write down.
- Keep the format of your notes consistent. Switching between different note-taking strategies and formats can get confusing, especially if you have several pages.
