Effective Note-Taking Strategies

Effective Note-Taking Strategies

Overview

Effective note-taking is a crucial skill for students, professionals, and anyone who needs to retain, understand, and recall information. It can be challenging to know how to take notes during live classes (synchronous instruction) and when watching recorded classes (asynchronous instruction). This article provides tips and techniques for taking notes during both types of instruction, focusing on strategies such as Cornell Notes, Outlining, Mapping, Sentence Notes, and using concept maps and diagrams.

Taking Notes During Live Classes (Synchronous Instruction)

Annotating Lecture Slides

If available, annotate lecture slides during lecture. Having the slides to work from makes it easier to flesh them out with information that you learn during lecture and with your own questions. These notes can be useful to take to section and office hours, allowing you to clarify any confusion you have about the material.

Writing by Hand

Writing notes by hand can be beneficial as it promotes interpretation rather than transcription. It involves putting concepts in your own words, which indicates that learning is already taking place. Some students find it helpful to type up their handwritten notes during review, expanding on what they have written. Others add to their handwritten notes.

Reviewing Your Notes

After class, review your notes to check for clarity, fill in definitions of key terms, and organize the information. This will help you understand the material better and identify any concepts you may have missed or not fully understood in class.

Taking Notes When Watching Recorded Classes (Asynchronous Instruction)

Structure Your Notes

Use headings, subheadings, and numbered lists to structure your notes. This will help you distinguish major from minor points and provide a clear way to navigate your notes during review.

Code Your Notes

Use color and symbols to mark structure and emphasis. Colored markers and highlighters can be useful for classifying and linking concepts or information by topic. However, don't focus too much on color coding during the lecture as it requires time and concentration.

Use Symbols and Abbreviations

Develop your own set of symbols and abbreviations for frequently used words, phrases, or names. This can help you take notes more efficiently and consistently.

Concept Mapping and Diagrams

Consider using concept maps or diagrams to represent information visually. Draw diagrams or pictures for concepts that are hard to note quickly. Concept maps can be added to later, and they can help illustrate ideas and trigger your own thoughts.

Summary

Effective note-taking involves understanding the content, experimenting with different note-taking styles, and reviewing your notes later. By following these strategies and techniques, you can take better notes and improve your learning and retention of information.