Notetaking Basics-2
First, let's look at the basics of good note taking.
1. Take Notes While Reading
Experts suggest becoming an active reader in order to get the most out of the material and your notes. Take notes while reading the material, rather than reading or skimming through it and jotting down a few notes later. Mark what catches your eye as you read; if you don't understand something, leave a question mark in the margin and go back to it later.
2. Be Aware of Repetition
If you notice while watching or listening to lectures, reviewing PowerPoints, or reviewing posted course materials, that your professor has mentioned the same fact twice or more, or has repeated a fact that was talked about in the previous lecture, make a note to yourself. Circle it, underline it, something to tell your brain to pay attention. It’s definitely going to be important later. Keep an eye out for repetition.
3. Listen for Key Words
If the professor says something is important, then spoiler alert: it's important. Write it down and mark it.
4. Make use of Chapter Organization or Module Organization to Structure your Reading Notes
What to write down when you're reading? Use each article or the headers within your readings to structure your notes. You don't have to follow it exactly, but it's a good place to start as far as what to use as headers within your notes.
5. Organization Matters
Organization is important regardless of the type of notetaking method you use. Be sure to have one folder/binder for each course and start a new page for each class. As for what to put on each page, watch the video below for an introduction to the Cornell method of note taking, incorporating optional sketch noting.
6. Write it. Don't type it.
Remember, despite all the apps and technology out there, nothing beats writing vs typing. It helps the learning process. A stylus is like a pencil, right? Unfortunately not. The friction created by writing on paper is part of what helps the brain process. You don't get that with a stylus.
7. Be selective
Don't try to write down everything the professor says. More is better, but you have to process what you're writing for it to be of any benefit. If you are able to get the professor's PPT before class, print it out and make notes on the ppt as well as doing note taking as described above. Since you probably won't have time to do it all during class, go back after class and fill in what you missed. This will also help recall information you just learned. Remember to leave space. Having no blank space is limiting and can make the note taking process stressful. Personally, I prefer to use computer paper because I don't like the lines in the way. Do whatever works for you.
8. Abbreviations!
Over time, you may find abbreviations that work for you and make note taking much easier- who has time to write out the same long words again and again? Whatever you abbreviate though, be sure to stick with it through the class. You may even want to make yourself an abbreviation key somewhere in your course notebook or on a consistent place on the page.