Improve your Notetaking: 18 tips you can implement today
Discussed in this blog post :
How to take better notes:
Preparation is Key
Tailor your Notetaking Format
Choose a Notetaking Method
Use Audio Files
Ask Questions
Use Active Listening & Reading Skills
Focus on the Key Concepts
Choose your Seat
Use your Own Words
Master Summarizing Skills
Refine through Paraphrasing
Use Direct Quotes Sparingly
Label your Notes for Referencing
Use Visuals to Add Depth
Use Colour, Underline & Bold for Emphasis
Leave White Space to Optimize your Notes
Review & Reflect
Collaborate & Compare
Summary
How to take better notes
Developing your notetaking skills are especially important in a university setting, where the quality of your notes directly influences your academic performance.
Before notetaking, familiarise yourself with the subject so you have a grasp of the subject and can actively engage with the information and focus on understanding the bigger picture rather than transcribing verbatim.
Familiarity with the subject makes notetaking easier, helps the learning process and when you need to use the notes for future reference to write assignments or study can accelerate your recall and investigation.
Taking better notes is a skill that can significantly enhance your academic success.
Here are some effective strategies to help you improve your notetaking:
1. Preparation is Key
Familiarise yourself with the subject reading material before class, this will give you a foundational knowledge that you can build on in class.
Study the module or class reading list ahead of time so that you can focus on the lecturer and new information during class.
Having a basic understanding of the topic before class will save you time and allow you to prepare questions for the lecturer and go deeper into the topic.
Go through all the reading material, this includes the assigned module readings, any lecture slides that are available before class and notes that you can find on your class VLE.
2. Tailor your Notetaking Format
Decide in advance which type of notetaking format you will use to make your notes. This way you will be able to bring all the equipment you need.
It’s a good idea to choose one or two ways to capture your notes. Limiting the formats you will use will help to concentrate your efforts and create a single (or double) source of reference information.
Digital Notebook
Digital notebooks are the perfect way to work as they offer the freedom of studying anywhere and at any time.
A digital notebook is a strong choice for students. Especially if your university offers student access to Microsoft Office products.
Microsoft Office has several different options that you might want to explore and choose for your notetaking.
If you choose a digital format you need to make sure you have enough power on your device to last the full time you need to use it.
If you are thinking about choosing a digital notebook format you may want to read Digital Notetaking: 8 Benefits for more information.
Paper Notebook
A paper notebook is a good choice if you want a backup to option to your Digital Notebook. It’s also a good choice if you want to improve your learning.
Handwritten notes can have a positive impact on how much information you remember, you ability to focus on the lecture or reading material and can improve your organisational skills.
If you choose a paper notebook you will need some pens or pencils. Is always a good idea to pack a couple of spares as well.
If you are thinking about choosing a paper notebook format you may want to read Handwritten Notes: 6 Benefits for more information.
3. Choose a Notetaking Method
There are several notetaking methods you can choose from that will help you organize your notes.
The best method for you to depends on your preferred style and the notetaking situation you are in.
Choose your notetaking method in advance and be consistent. Don’t mix different notetaking methods; it’ll only confuse you when you come to review your notes.
No matter which technique you decide to use, making this decision in advance will help you focus in the moment.
Here’s a list of some of the most popular notetaking methods:
Boxing Method – Ideal for identifying cluster topics in your notes.
Charting Method – Facilitates easy review of facts and figures.
Cornell Method – Aids in remembering essential information.
Flow Method – Creates organic connections within your notes.
Mindmap Method – Supercharges your brainstorming process.
Outline Method – Structures your notes based on subjects.
Q/E/C Method – Summarizes complex research topics effectively.
Sentence Method – Brings order to chaotic notetaking.
Split Page Method – Allows you to add your research to lecture notes.
SQ3R Method – Involves deliberate steps to enhance learning.
Write on Slides – Maximizes notetaking efficiency during lectures.
Zettelkasten Method – Organizes your notes as you discover related information.
4. Use Audio Files
Audio notes are a good way to supplement your handwritten or typed notes.
Some lecturers might allow you to record their lectures which you can replay the class later when you’re studying.
Audio notes are a great way to replay everything you heard in class, making it easier to create better notes.
You can also create voice notes for your own research notes. If you speak slowly and clearly, the dictation functions will work for you, so you can record your personal observations and thoughts on a subject.
5. Ask Questions
Asking questions is how you will learn about the subjects you are interested in. The course curriculum will give you a foundation of knowledge about the subject but it’s up to you to decide what you’re interested in.
Capture your questions as they arise so you can focus on what you are most curious about and can investigate later or ask questions of your lecturers.
Preparing for Class
Before class when you are reading the assigned class reading there will be a lot of questions that will probably cross your mind.
Write them all down.
When you write down your questions it will connect you with the material and subject matter more closely.
This means when the lecturer presents the lecture or when you are doing independent research you will be able to identify relevant information more quickly.
In Class
Write your questions down as they occur to you.
There will usually be an opportunity to ask follow-up questions but if there was no time for questions during the lecture, follow up with your lecturer outside of class.
If you don’t get a chance to speak, you can always do some research on your own.
If you are interested enough to ask a question, don’t leave it unanswered. Investigate and see if you can find out the answer.
When Reading
When you are doing research for an assignment or other project leave space in your notes for asking questions you want to follow-up on.
You won’t always have time to follow interesting research paths because you have an assignment deadline. If you write down your questions you can come back to them at a later point.
As you capture questions that interest you in class, during your own research or in discussion with classmates these can be the seeds of an original idea you may want to turn into a research question.
6. Use Active Listening & Reading Skills
Active Listening
Learning isn’t a passive activity, whether you are in the library doing self-study or in a lecture you will need to pay attention.
Pay attention to everything that happens in class, especially the lecturer’s intonation and body language.
Your lecturers will use specific words or phrases to signal the importance of a piece of information. Any change in intonation, tone, speed, and loudness can mean that this is the part you should focus on.
Reading Skills
When you actively read, you have a specific purpose in mind, you set yourself up for success, and it is a pleasure to do it.
When it comes to understanding and learning anything, you need to read and re-read the information so that you fully grasp what it says and can apply it to
Make sure that you're actively and critically engaged with the content to help you make good notes
7. Focus on the Key Concepts
Taking good notes doesn’t require writing down everything your lecturer says. Instead, it’s better if you focus only on the main points and key concepts.
The aim of to capture the key points of your learning so that you can refer to them in the future.
Use your own words as much as possible to summarise or paraphrase the information you are making notes about.
Writing notes in your own words will connect you with the subject, helps the learning process and will make it easier to connect and locate the information you need when you come back to your notes.
For more on how to identify the key concepts in you may want to read Take Faster Notes for more information.
8. Choose your Seat
Whether you are in class, at home or studying in the library where you sit has an impact on your concentration, the information you can absorb and the type of notes you can take.
Choose a seat that will give you the best chance of focusing on the new information.
In Class
In class that might mean being close enough to the lecturer and presentation screen that you can hear and see the information being communicated.
At Home
At home that might mean finding a space free of distractions that allows you to focus on your studies.
In the Library
In the library that might mean choosing a desk either close to the reference material for your subject area, computer labs or a quiet study area.
For more on choosing a desk in the library you may want to read Study Space in the University Library for more information.
9. Use your Own Words
When notetaking you have an opportunity to create a set of notes that are unique to you and your research interest.
If you write your notes in your own words as often as possible you will get into the habit of thinking and processing the information you are reading or listening to.
Making your notes in your own words can help you avoid plagiarism and create original content.
Don’t Transcribe
Avoid the temptation to transcribe everything a lecturer says.
Aim to make your notes brief, to the point and include the main points relevant to your study. This will give you time to focus on the information being communicated.
The goal of notetaking is to summarize the most important points of a lecture, a video, or a book not to create a verbatim transcript of everything that you heard or read.
Use Shorthand
Shorthand is a useful tool to help you take faster notes. It allows you to write quicker and with more accuracy about the subject.
Applying shorthand writing techniques to your notemaking can help you include more information in a condensed way which will leave you space for your own reflections and personal observations.
Use Abbreviations
To keep up with the fast pace of the lecture, try using abbreviations. Not only will they save time, but they’ll also make your notes shorter.
It might be a helpful to create your own abbreviation list. Then you can use your abbreviations and symbols throughout your notes making them easier and quicker to take.
Use Symbols
Symbols are a great option for drawing attention to specific sections or types of notes.
You can use them to replace text, sentences, or phrases or to connect different themes in your notes.
There are a lot of options to choose from when thinking about including symbols.
However, you choose to include symbols in your notetaking try to be consistent and use the same symbol to represent the same purpose throughout.
For more on using shorthand, symbols and abbreviations to improve your notemaking you may want to read Using Shorthand, Symbols, and Abbreviations for more information.
10. Master Summarizing Skills
Creating a summary is the first step in the research process and a skill that needs to be developed.
As a student you will receive and consume large amounts of information throughout your students. All of it is important but how your process the data is even more important.
A summary is the process of digesting the information and writing a description in your own words that covers the main points covered by the lecture or reading.
The process of summarising requires intellectual engagement and critical analysis of the material you are summarising. This will give you a head start when it comes to learning and completing assignments.
For more on how to improve your notemaking by writing a summary you may want to read Write a Summary: “how to” in 4 steps for more information.
11. Refine through Paraphrasing
Developing your ability to paraphrase and summarise will connect you with the subject and help develop a deeper understanding of the area.
Paraphrasing requires you to be familiar with the source material and write notes in your own words. But it’s important that you preserve the original concepts from the material.
Consider the meaning the source and write your notes to accurately reflect the intent of original author.
When paraphrasing it’s essential to keep accurate notes on the source material so that you can correctly cite and reference the source in your analysis.
If you include concepts, themes, discussion, or any other material by someone else without acknowledgement this is plagiarism and has serious consequences.
For more on how to improve your notemaking by paraphrasing you may want to read How to Paraphrase without Plagiarism for more information.
12. Use Direct Quotes Sparingly
It’s easy to reply on quotes and taking extracts from other sources. But in the long term this can make it harder for you.
Limit your use of direct quotations and instead try to summarise, paraphrase, write notes in your own words and use your thoughts and reflections to drive your notemaking.
If you choose to include quotes in your notes you must remember for every direct quotation, you should enclose the quote within quotation marks and add the full bibliographic description you will need for the citation and reference.
Creating citations throughout your notes helps you avoid accidental plagiarism.
Don’t rely on remembering the source later. If you rely on your memory you may mix up names or dates and as a result, you might either commit accidental plagiarism.
You don’t have to follow a specific type of citation in the heat of the moment. Simply mention who said every quotation, when, and where.
For more on how to improve your notemaking by using quotations you may want to read Using Quotes in Academic Writing for more information.
13. Label your Notes for Referencing
Reference & Bibliographic Detail
Before you start making notes always create a label to explain where and when you are taking the notes from.
If you’re in a lecture write the title, the lecturer’s name, and the subject every time. If you are reading a book or a journal, write the title and any other bibliographic detail alongside your notes.
Information on where you made your notes from will help you create accurate references and citations and avoid plagiarism.
Descriptive Information
After you’ve written your notes it can be helpful to add further descriptive detail to your first label.
Explain in a couple of short sentences the major themes of the notes, how these are relevant to your subject and any keywords you think are most helpful.
This overview will help you find information quickly in your notes and help create connections with other key themes you’ve been investigating.
For more on how to improve your notemaking through citations and bibliographic information you may want to read The Importance of Citations and Referencing for Students for more information.
14. Use Visuals to Add Depth
If you can and it’s relevant to your subject or the notes you are making try including a visual representation instead of just text.
A picture is an easier and faster way to put information in your notes.
Draw the image instead of writing its description.
Your brain is more likely to remember the picture, more so than a bunch of words strung together.
15. Use Colour, Underline & Bold for Emphasis
Using colour, underlining and bold is a quick way to draw attention to key points in your notes.
Color adds meaning, emphasis and aesthetic to your notes. Highlight, underline, or capitalize the main points in your notes.
Using a combination of colour, underlining and bold can help you organize your thoughts and ideas while keeping you more focused on your notemaking theme.
Colour can be particularly helpful for exam revision or literature reviews. The colour can show you where to start your revision or you can use it to connect themes across your notes.
Like using abbreviations and symbols it’s important to be consistent when you choose and apply colour, underline and bold to your notes. Otherwise, you can risk confusion and make your notes harder to use.
For more on how to improve your notemaking by using colour to highlight information in your notes to read Colour your Notes for more information.
16. Leave White Space in your Notes
It’s always a good idea to leave some space around your notes so you can come back and add more detail at a later point.
Sometimes, there’s no time to add a diagram or create a visual in the lecture so if you leave a gap in your notes, you can add the pictorial representation after class.
If you leave spaces between ideas, it can also act as a reminder that you need to come back to those notes and reflect and revise the detail. It tells you that there’s something you didn’t have to add during the lecture that you still need to include in the notes.
17. Review & Reflect
Notetaking isn’t about writing down the last detail. Instead, it’s about recording various concepts that, when combined, form a larger picture.
Try to find connections between your new and existing notes. These connections help you create a comprehensive study guide.
Linking ideas will help you to build a deeper understand of the subject.
The more time you invest in review and identifying connections the more familiar the information will become and you will be able to create new connections more readily.
17. Review & Reflect
Review your Notes
This step is vital because it allows you to fill gaps and follow up on your questions. You can also add certain parts or ideas that you didn’t have the time to include during the lecture.
Reviewing your notes is better done right after class. This way, the information is still fresh in your head.
In fact, your memory is at its best within the first 24 hours after class.
Reflect on your Notes
Go through your notes and include your opinions and insights. Perhaps, you had an idea or opinion during class that you forgot to add. Then, this is the time to write it down before you forget.
Consider what questions are most interesting to you and try to answer them.
Review the ideas and create connections between your thoughts and the notes you’ve taken.
For more on how reviewing and reflecting on your notetaking can improve your notemaking read 4 Stages of Notetaking for more information.
18. Collaborate & Compare
Everyone will create a different set of notes for the same lecture. That’s why it’s a good idea to share your notes with a friend.
Review your notes with a classmate or classmates and combine your notes to develop the best set of study material.
Remember, two heads are always better than one. Comparing notes can help you learn the same subject from different perspectives.
Summary
Notetaking at university is a skill that you will continually work on.
There are notetaking methods and techniques to experiment with. Different options for formats, layouts, colours that can help sort and organise you notes making them unique to you.
You may also want to try out different shorthand and abbreviations that can help you speed up your notetaking and swap writing time for thinking and listening time.
