Actually Benefitting From Notes: How to take notes that are effective and will actually help you

Introduction

Note-taking is an essential skill for students and professionals. While it may not seem very effective, it can help you increase your retention, understand complex concepts, and review important details later on, only if done properly. However, while it may seem like a very easy task, many struggle with doing it properly and efficiently. Which leads to some very disorganized and incomplete notes that won’t help you. So, in this blog post, I will be sharing some valuable tips to help you become a pro at taking effective notes during lectures - and in general.

Be Selective

Avoid falling into the trap of transcribing every word you hear. Instead, focus on writing notes on the most important concepts, main ideas, and supporting details. Actively listen for key points and phrases that the lecturer/speaker would repeat or emphasize. By understanding what is important and prioritizing the information, you are already taking the first step to improve your note-taking and taking more effective notes.

Use Your Own Words

Yes, yes, I know, you probably hear this all the time to rephrase. And, I know, it is very annoying, and you can’t help but write down what the speaker said. But, hey, it genuinely helps SO much. Processing information and putting it into your own words is much more beneficial. This act of summarizing and paraphrasing helps you internalize the information and better understand it, therefore, improving your long-term retention and improving your studies (which is what we all want, so it is WORTH it - trust me ;).

Be Organized

Experiment and find a note-taking system that works well for you. Consider using headings, bullet points, using the Cornell system, numbering, indenting, or whatever it is to create a clear hierarchy in your notes. Organize it in a way that would work best for YOU. Personally, I prefer taking notes on paper because I feel like I retain more information when I am actually writing rather than mindlessly tapping on my keyboard.

Ask Yourself Questions

As you are listening, ask yourself questions every time you get one. If your lecturer answers the question, then WRITE IT DOWN. However, if you finished the lecture and you still have a few questions unanswered then search them up. Every time after every lecture, sit down for just twenty minutes (which is nothing) and just write a list of questions relating to the topic that you can ask yourself. This is a form of active recall where you’re forcing yourself to remember the answers. So, to recap, during the lecture, write questions. And, after the lecture spend twenty minutes writing some more questions and answering them from memory. Now, as you go through the semester, keep reviewing every question, and this spaced repetition will make you the smartest and best student ever (trust me).

Review and Revise Regularly

As I said in the previous section, consistently revise the questions and answers. As well as continuously revise the material. Even if it’s only for a few minutes a day, it can truly help you so much when the test or final comes.

Connect All New Information With All Previous Information

As you are introduced to new topics and everything kind of gets mixed together, combine this new info with the previous info. Use all this new info as an opportunity to review the previous info as well as develop the new information. Making these connections between the new and old information can help you build a web of interconnected knowledge, which will make it much easier to actually understand the material and to acing that test!

Conclusion

Effective note-taking goes far beyond just writing down words. It is about using this information to your benefit as a student. More specifically, it is about using your own words, being selective, being organized, asking yourself questions, consistently reviewing and revising, and finally, connecting the new with the old. Doing all of this will for sure help you take more effective notes and truly succeed as a student. With practice, and a strategic approach, you can develop a great note-taking system that will be super helpful in your learning journey. You got this!

Best,

avococo