4 Note-Taking Tips to Help You this School Year

As a student, note-taking is something you most likely do for every class and it’s critical to learning important concepts throughout your academic career. But did you know that there’s actually a method to taking notes? If you’ve had trouble recalling what you’ve written down, that may be a sign that your note-taking strategy isn’t very effective. In this blog, we’ll explore some essential note-taking tips tailored to help you boost your learning and retention.
Don’t write word for word
This may seem like the right way to take notes, but writing your notes word for word, whether from your textbook or during a lecture, is counterproductive. By writing in your own words or through simple paraphrasing, you’re more likely to recall and understand important concepts.
Code your notes
Coding your notes is extremely helpful when teaching yourself complex topics. Try color-coding specific sections to help your brain recall the information later.
Abbreviations and symbols are also useful when developing more efficient note-taking skills. This type of shorthand can save time and help you quickly identify key points in your notes that you want to remember later.
Use the best format for you
Many of us choose to format our notes by outlining with bullets, lists, headings, and more. While this is a great way to break down the information, there could be other note formats that work better for you.
- Charting is a great way to take notes when multiple topics or concepts are discussed throughout one lecture. Separate your notes page into different columns, one for each topic in the lecture, and add essential topic points to each column as it’s covered.
- If you’re a visual learner, try mind mapping! Using branches to connect concepts, mind mapping is a great way to see connections in a visual way.
- Cornell notes break your notes page up into two columns, one recall column and a notes column. At the bottom of the page is where you write a summary of the lesson and recall the main points.
Review notes while they’re fresh
This tip is crucial to retaining new information. By reviewing your notes while they’re still fresh, you’re more likely to recall key concepts from your lectures. This also gives you the opportunity to revisit concepts that you may not have understood while in class and allows you to identify what you may need to focus on or get help with at a later date.
By choosing the right format, being selective, coding your notes, and practicing regularly, you can significantly enhance your note-taking skills. Remember that everyone’s style is unique, so feel free to adapt these tips to fit your personal preferences and needs. With dedication and practice, you’ll become a master note-taker, boosting your learning and academic performance.