Imagine you are in a lecture and trying to capture everything that matters. Chances are you might get overwhelmed by all of the information from the lecture or that you are not getting out of the experience as much as you could. Effective note-taking is a skill, and like any skill, it can be learned and improved. Let's dive into some strategies that will transform your notes from a jumble of words into a powerful learning tool.
Effective note-taking isn't just about what happens during a lecture. It's a process that starts before you even step into the classroom and continues after the lecture ends. Let's break it down:
Before the lecture
Set yourself up for success:
Check your course context. Review assigned readings and previous lectures to refresh your memory and provide context for the upcoming lecture.
Review learning goals. Understand what your lecturer aims to cover. This helps you focus on the main ideas during the lecture.
Prepare questions. Identify topics that are still unclear to you. Having these questions ready can guide your note-taking and ensure you get the information you need.
Choose your note-taking method. Select a method that fits both the content of the lecture and your personal preferences. (We'll explore different methods later in this module.)
During the lecture
Capture information efficiently:
Use symbols and abbreviations. Save time by replacing common words or phrases with shorthand. This allows you to keep up with the lecturer's pace.
Leave space for later additions. Give yourself room to add clarifications or connections after the lecture.
Use your own words. Paraphrase the lecturer's points in a way that makes sense to you. This stimulates active engagement with the material and enhances critical thinking.
Add questions. Note down any questions that arise during the lecture. These can be useful for review later or to ask the lecturer after class.
After the lecture
Solidify your learning:
Finalize notes promptly. Review and clean up your notes while the information is still fresh in your mind.
Identify gaps in your understanding. Determine what requires further study or clarification. Make a list of topics or concepts you need to look up or research.
Organize your notes. Structure your notes in a way that makes sense to you and facilitates easy review later.
Add a short summary. Condense the main points of the lecture into a brief overview. This helps reinforce key concepts and provides a quick reference for future review.
Compare with peers. Discuss your notes with classmates. This can help fill in any gaps and provide different perspectives on the material.
Proven note-taking methods
Different situations call for different approaches. Here are some tried-and-true methods to consider.
Cornell Method
Description
Divide your page into three sections:
A narrow left-hand column for cues (keywords and questions that show the main ideas)
A wider right-hand column for detailed notes
A bottom section for a summary
Strengths
Helps organize notes efficiently
Encourages you to review the lecture by summarizing it afterwards
Excellent for lecture-based learning and reviewing notes afterward
Good for students who…
want a structured approach to their notes
prefer a built-in review system
Outlining
Description
Use bullet points, indentation, and numbers to create a hierarchical structure of information, with main topics, subtopics, and supporting details
Strengths
Organizes content in a logical order, especially when the lecture follows a linear progression
Easy to review, as it clearly shows the relationship between ideas
Good for students who…
prefer structured and organized notes
are comfortable identifying main points and supporting details during lectures
Mapping
Description
This is a visual method that starts with a central idea and branches out into related topics and subtopics using lines, keywords, and images
Strengths
Perfect for subjects where understanding relationships between concepts is crucial
Helps in seeing the "big picture" and making connections between different ideas
Good for students who…
prefer to organize information visually
are creative
participate in brainstorming sessions and idea generation
Flow
Description
Capture ideas in a non-linear, flexible way which emphasizes understanding and connecting concepts. You write down key ideas and draw arrows, doodles, and visual elements to illustrate relationships, creating a "flow" of thought on the page.
Strengths
Encourages deeper understanding and engagement with the material by synthesizing information in real-time
Helps in connecting ideas, fostering creativity, and retaining information
Highly adaptable and allows for a personal touch in note-taking
Good for students who…
prefer a more organic and less rigid approach to note-taking
are comfortable with visual thinking
wish to increase attention and enhance critical thinking during lectures or while reading complex material
‘Writing on the slides’
Description
Take notes directly on PowerPoint slides provided by lecturers on Canvas. Add insights, additional information, and summaries.
Strengths
Easier to match notes to specific content
Saves time and ensures no key points are missed
Good for students who…
are in fast-paced lectures and wish to focus what the lecturer adds to the information in the slides
struggle with organizing information from scratch
are in technical or visual-heavy courses that rely heavily on diagrams, graphs, or complex visual information
Remember, the best note-taking system is the one that works for you. Don't be afraid to experiment with different methods or even combine them to suit your needs.
Making it personal
Personalization is key to effective note-taking. Your notes should work for you, not anyone else. Here are some strategies to make your notes uniquely yours:
Use common abbreviations
Speed up your note-taking by using widely recognized shortcuts, such as…:
"e.g." for "for example"
"w/" for "with"
"b/c" for "because"
Also abbreviate common terms in your field:
"GDP" for "Gross Domestic Product" in economics
"ROI" for "Return on Investment" in business.
Incorporate symbols
Use universal symbols to add meaning at a glance:
"?" for questions or unclear points
"!" for important notes or key concepts
“*” for things that will likely be on the exam
Create personal abbreviations
Don't be afraid to invent your own shorthand, for example:
"→" could mean "leads to" or "causes" or "therefore"
"lc" might stand for "lecture" and “fin” for “financial”
The beauty of personal symbols is that they only need to make sense to you. Remember, your notes are for you and you only. As long as you can understand them later, that's what matters.
Add personal comments
Enrich your notes with your own thoughts by…:
Including your reflections on the material.
Noting connections to other courses or real-world examples.
Jotting down questions or areas you want to explore further.
These personal touches make your notes more engaging and can be incredibly useful when reviewing materials later.
Get creative
Add some spice to your notes to make them more useful or just more interesting to look at. Do this especially when reviewing your notes after a lecture. You can…:
Use colors to highlight different types of information.
Draw simple diagrams or mind maps to visualize connections.
Add shapes or icons to categorize information (e.g., stars for key points).
Experiment with different layouts that appeal to your visual memory This creative approach can make your notes more memorable and enjoyable to review.
