How To: Take notes
Some students are effective note-takers but many could use help in learning how to take notes intentionally and effectively to support learning and engagement. The more faculty can promote note-taking by hand, using pen and paper, the better, as it’s been demonstrated to be better for learning and memory. Students (and people generally) who “take notes” via computer often merely transcribe what they’re hearing. Good note-taking processes the information, determines what’s important to record, and then does it in their own words. If you allow students to have their phones in class and to use them to take notes, encourage them to process and rephrase in their own words rather than just typing the words they’re hearing.
Actively taking notes during class – and during other learning activities, like reading, watching videos and demos, and during making projects – can help students focus and better understand concepts. Good notes are a foundation for studying and learning.
For Students: Note-Taking in Class
Good note-taking is a foundation for learning and improving. There is no perfect way to take notes. What’s important is that you find a method that works for you. These are some basics:
Step 1: Prepare
- Preview and review and lecture notes or slides or assigned readings or videos
- Write what questions you hope the lecture or discussion will answer
Step 2: During class
- Quality over quantity: Note-taking is not transcription of everything that’s said. Good note-taking means summarizing the main ideas and important points in your own words.
- Ask questions: If you don’t understand something, chances are others don’t, too. Also ask yourself: what’s not being said, and then ask a question about it.
- Adjust your format: Different classes or topics or activities (like reading or watching a video) may require a different style of notes. Try two columns: one is summarizing main points of what’s being said, the other is how you’re feeling about the content itself or other observations. This can be particularly helpful for emotionally intense content. Some additional options here.
Step 3: After class
- Organize your notes. This is also an opportunity to try a new format (summary, diagram, etc.)
- Create a study guide that you add to each week with new information and connections you’ve made
- Explain your notes and main points out loud to someone else
For more tips: