At a glance, making proper note taking may not seem like a very important topic to discuss but in reality, it is one of the distinguishing factors that determines the academic potential of a student. The most important task for a student to get better results is the capability to take notes properly.
Even in the earliest grades, a student must learn to keep class notes organized and precise. This goes on till college and even for research and higher studies. Unable to maintain proper notes may cause hindrances before exams. As a result, proper notetaking is important.
I have been making class notes for a long time and my notes are considered as top class by my peers and teachers. I follow some basic methods whenever I start note-taking.
As a result, I can maintain a consistent and organized notebook. In this blog, I will show you the basic note-taking process and try to give a brief breakdown on how it will assist you.
Tips For Effective Note-taking:
1. Listen carefully:
Before you can even start to write, you must first keep in mind that if you are unable to hear your teacher you won’t be able to write. So, remember to sit in the first seat in your class, and keep a sharp ear. You will need to focus on everything your teacher says.
2. Don’t get distracted:
If you get distracted mid-writing, you will end up with a bad note. So, you must have a keen focus on every word and question to get the best notes.
3. Keep your note organized and precise:
When you start a new note, always remember the end goal. You will use them to revise your topic before an exam or test, so remember to keep them organized. Use different notebooks for different courses. Use headings, sub-points, and bullet points for any important topics. Always remember to write down page numbers of the reference book for every topic, make tables for comparison or for differentiating between topics, etc.
4. Keep the notes Short:
Anyone can write down things a professor says but the main difference between a successful student and a average student is that the former only writes key points. He does not exaggerate. Using simpler words, Quick phrases and abbreviations to your side is another skill a professional note-taker must have.
5. Writing in your own words:
While understanding bookish literature is very much needed, you want to keep your notes easy to understand and simple. No need to write down complex phrases or sentences, Instead, use the words you are most familiar with. You should be aware of your own lackings and abilities and adjust the theory accordingly.
6. Use colors:
A black-and-white canvas may be very monotonous and boring for your brain to comprehend and scan properly, for that reason you may want to incorporate colors! Using colored pens and markers for titles, sub-points, or even tables will make your notes more eye-catching. You can also use highlighters to mark existing texts. This will make it easier to read through and remember the key parts of your note.
7. Use of Special symbols:
Learn to use symbols in advantage to shorten your sentences. For example, you can use short hands instead of some words or sounds. You can use social media abbreviations at your advantage like instead of using “As soon as possible” use ASAP, or use A2Z instead of the phrase “start to finish”. You can use “+” instead of using “and/together” etc.
8. Don’t overdo your notes:
Avoid excess writing whenever you are noting down lectures because you want to summarize the lecture and make it simple to understand. Sometimes overdoing simple things will make your notes harder to comprehend.
9. Feedback and revision:
At the end, make sure to go through all your notes correct any mistakes or re-write things which even you can’t understand because of the short and symbolic way of writing them.
Bonus:
You can incorporate the usage of technology to enhance your notes! Such as mobile note apps, Widgets, Voice recorders or even videos of a lecture for future reference. Some very useful apps I use for notes are Microsoft Whiteboard and Color Note.
Read more on exam techniques
Remember, good note-taking will increase your listening skills, comprehension of topics and retention for the long learn and this will reflect on your results. Let me know in the comments how you’ll implement these ideas in your notes! I wish good luck to everyone and happy nothing!
As a seasoned content writer specializing in self-development and AI tools, I draw from my past experiences to create insightful and engaging content. My work is dedicated to helping readers enhance their personal growth and leverage AI for better productivity.
Overall the blog is good and the writing is viewer friendly. But it can be more professional. I get the feeling of point 1-3 is suggesting excessively of how to take notes rather than the benifits of such workings. The rest of the points are good and also gives a positive vibe. I can strongly relate some of suggestions that you have said.
However the overall writing is very good, but you guys have suggested to record the class for better understanding. 1st of all without permission recording others is wrong and can also be regarded as a crime , I’ve also got lectured by my professor by recording them😅
and do a spell check on (Don’t overdo your notes)
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I’ll surely use these tips!