Taking Notes: 7 Ways To Be A Great Note Taker
Many students have never been taught the most helpful ways to take notes in class, and the result is sheets of unorganized paper with facts, figures, and half-finished examples that are no help to the student at all. Being an expert note taker early on in your academic career will put you a step ahead of your frantically writing, half-understanding, note-taking-challenged peers. 📝
1. Start with the basics
Before you write down your first example or equation, get in the habit of putting your name, date, and subject as the heading on all of your notes. This will help when you try to keep chapters and sections together and will make referring back to the notes simple. 📅
2. Use pencil!
Using a pencil allows you to make changes easily and ensures your notes are neat. ✏️
3. Listen for key content
If the teacher writes it on the board, it needs to go in your notes. Also, pay attention to vocal cues from your teacher that signal the content is very important. Listen for repetition or phrases like “So when you see this on the test…” 🗣️
4. Experiment with different note formats
Some people find it easy to write in outline form, while others prefer folding their paper vertically and writing on both sides. Use the entire page, including margins, to separate content in boxes, circles, or pictures. Whatever makes sense to you! 📚
5. Review your textbook
After class, refer back to your textbook. Not only is it a good way to review, but you may also be able to clarify any questions you have when you look back in your notes. 📖
6. Understand the examples
Write down the teacher’s examples as precisely and accurately as possible, but also understand what is going on in those examples. Leave some room next to the teacher-given examples to explain them in your own words. 🧠
7. Add classmates’ questions
Listen carefully to the questions your classmates ask. Adding them to your notes may help when the information isn’t as fresh in your mind, and you can refer back to those questions later. 💡
Taking good notes is great, but they only work if you use them! Keep them together in an organized folder or binder, and label everything neatly. Start a new page for each day so you aren’t searching through papers to find where one lesson ends and another begins. If something isn’t clear, ask your teacher to look at your notes and suggest additions or changes. With these steps, you’ll have organized and helpful notes that will make studying a breeze and lead to great test grades! 🌟