How Do I Take Notes?


Adopt the following techniques when taking notes:

Take actual notes

  • Write in your own words rather than transcribing the source material.

Use keywords

  • It’s best not to use complete paragraph and sentence form. It is unnecessary and time-consuming to rewrite entire paragraphs when the keywords, that contain the essence of the subject, will do fine. Reserve complete sentences for precise definitions or direct quotations.

Use abbreviations

  • The more the merrier. You can even make up your own! Create a glossary of the abbreviations so you don’t get confused, forget the point and miss out on valuable information.

Use notations

  • Stars, arrows, brackets and boxes can be used to point out main ideas, important details and thoughts that are linked.

Use lots of paper

  • Write on every other line will give space to add more thoughts or information during the review process. Create a 2 inch margin on the left side of the page to add headings and give your notes some organization. Write on one side of the paper so you can lay out your pages when it comes time to review.

Ask questions

  • When you have a question on the material you are reading – write it down. It may be answered later in the chapter, with further research or in discussions with your tutor or classmates.

Create an SOS

  • Use a symbol that means you do not understand the material and leave a space for the answer. You can go back to it when you are finished the chapter.

Label, number, date

  • It will be easier to follow your notes if you have a title, page number and date on each page.

Review often

  • Reviewing regularly will ensure you are continuously learning and, will move content into long tem memory and in the long run, will save time studying.

NOTE An excellent resource for taking notes and having access to them is evernote.com. Click here

Last modified: Tuesday, 2 October 2018, 8:55 AM