How to Take Notes

Complete the reading by the day of class. The teacher gives the reading so that you can familiarize yourself with the topic to be discussed in class. If you finish reading before class, you already know a lot of the details. Then you can focus on taking notes on key concepts.

• Also, before going to class, don’t forget to read over your notes from the previous class. As a result, you will know where you left off from the previous session and all the information you need for the next session. ^[1]

Find study materials and lesson outlines online. If your teacher provides outlines, PowerPoint lectures, or even basic summaries for the next lesson, take advantage of them. Think of them as the skeleton of a house, which you will then complete and decorate with note taking.

• It can be easy for you to just print out an outline or lecture and then skip taking notes for the hour or just make quick notes on printed material, one place or another. However, it is much better to use these materials to build your own notes. It is the best way to process information, which is ultimately the purpose of recording. ^[2]

Weigh the pros and cons of typing in class. Many students are more comfortable with typing than taking notes. Still, there’s reason to consider using the traditional, reliable pen and paper method. Some studies show that students who take notes are better able to understand and remember lessons. With a laptop, it is very easy to fall into a state of mere copying. That’s when you try to type everything you hear instead of actively figuring out what’s the most important information to jot down. Handwriting can help you focus better. ^[3]

• On the other hand, using a laptop or other electronic device makes it easier to format, save, edit, share, and read back (without worrying about scribbling).
• There are countless laptop note-taking aids available, such as: the “notebook layout” format included in Microsoft Word, the software that connects your lecture recordings to your notes, chapters note organizer that helps you to consolidate documents from different types and formats like email or PDF files, a linked note-taking platform that allows you to take notes with others at the same time . They can be a lifesaver or they can be a distraction. Only you can judge what works best for you.
• Some teachers and schools prohibit the use of laptops in the classroom. So don’t take lightly the necessity of knowing how to take notes by hand.

Sit near the top of the room. Choose a place in class where you are less likely to be distracted. Then you will be able to focus and take better notes. Find a place where you can see and hear the instructor clearly. You should also be able to see the board clearly. Come to class a little early to get a seat.

• If you find yourself distracted by the noise of a few other students, the air-conditioning fan, or unfortunately glare from the projector screen, discreetly switch seats if you can without significantly affecting them. mention class. If that’s not possible, try as hard as you can during that class and find a different position next time.

Ensure adequate reserves for recording. If you take notes by hand, bring a spare pen, pencil, and paper. If taking notes on a laptop or other electronic device, make sure they have enough batteries and are ready as soon as class begins.

• Some people like to use separate notes that can be spread out on the table or the floor while studying. Others feel that their notebooks will be neater.

Date and lecture topics for notebooks. Make sure your notes are clearly noted for easy reference later. Write the date and topic of the lecture at the top of each page. ^[4]

• If you have multiple pages of notes, don’t forget to number them as well. This makes it easier to keep notes in order.

Consider formatting options for your notes. The neater and more organized the notes at the beginning, the easier they will be to understand, edit, and study later. The outline format is an option for you, especially if the lecture is structured and/or so presented. In this format, you will itemize sections. Below that, ideas are recorded in bullet form and supporting ideas are recorded in smaller bullet points. This is much better than writing everything as new, peer-to-peer.

• Note that lecturers are not always structured in presenting main points and supporting ideas. Remember, you may have to organize your notes after class.