Lana Oconnell
Note-taking is an essential part of the learning process at university, helping students process and understand information. While there is no right or wrong way of taking notes, there are several recommended techniques for effective note-making. These include using colour, patterns, highlighting, underlining, and diagrams to make notes memorable and visually appealing. Students are also advised to use their own words to summarise, condense, and organise their notes, and to actively listen and pay attention to keywords and phrases during lectures. Note-taking is a personal process, and students may prefer typing or handwriting their notes, depending on what works best for them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Note-taking methods | Typed notes, handwritten notes, audio recordings, diagrams, flow charts, mind maps, spider diagrams, etc. |
| Note-taking tools | MS Word, Notion, OneNote, pen and paper, etc. |
| Note-taking preparation | Reading preparatory material, tuning in to the topic beforehand, preparing questions, etc. |
| Note-taking during class | Listening actively, identifying keywords, summarising, paraphrasing, etc. |
| Post-class note-taking | Reviewing and consolidating notes, adding comments, reorganising, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Note-taking methods: Typed, handwritten, audio, or visual
Note-taking is an essential part of a student's life. With the large amounts of information presented in each course, note-taking helps in encoding the information and thus makes it easier to remember. It also produces study material that can be referred to later for exams and projects.
Typed notes
The most significant advantage of typed notes is speed. Typed notes are a fast and easy way to take the information presented in lectures and textbooks and consolidate them for reference later. However, due to its fast nature, this method may lead to a lower retention rate. Other disadvantages include the need for a charged battery and the potential for a large accumulation of notes that are challenging to search through.
Handwritten notes
Handwritten notes are the most traditional and conventional method of note-taking. They are the most accessible, affordable, and portable way to take notes. Handwritten notes also stimulate different neurological pathways than typed notes, and there is evidence that students take handwritten notes more quickly and accurately. Handwritten notes also contain more drawings and images, which can aid memory retention and comprehension. However, writing notes by hand may be more time-consuming.
Audio notes
Audio notes are a part of the university's Accessible and Inclusive Learning Policy, where students are usually permitted to audio record lectures, tutorials, and supervision sessions for their personal use. Audio notes can be useful for students who want to revisit parts of the lecture to enhance their notes. However, it is important to think about what you want from an audio recording and what your questions are, especially if you have already attended the class.
Visual notes
Visual notes can include diagrams, flow charts, mind maps, and concept maps, which can help to visualise relationships between ideas and make them easier to remember. Visual cues, such as colours and highlighting, can also aid in the recall of complex topics or relationships between different pieces of data. Combining audio with visuals, such as video recordings or photos, can further enhance comprehension and aid memory retrieval.
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Note-taking preparation: Reading beforehand, identifying keywords
Note-taking is an important part of academic success at university. Effective note-taking helps you process and understand information, and provides a personal record of what you've learned. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, there are strategies you can use to prepare for effective note-taking. Reading the relevant material beforehand is a great way to familiarise yourself with the topic and identify keywords, which will help you actively engage with the lecture or seminar content.
Reading Beforehand
Reading the relevant material before a lecture or seminar can greatly enhance your note-taking. Firstly, it gives you a general context for the topic, which is essential for identifying keywords and understanding how different ideas relate to each other. Secondly, it allows you to identify any gaps in your understanding, so you can focus on clarifying these points during the lecture or through further reading. Finally, prior reading saves time by reducing the amount of writing needed during the lecture, as you will already have a basic understanding of the topic.
Identifying Keywords
Keywords are essential tools for efficient note-taking. They are the core terms or phrases that capture the essence of a paragraph, lecture, or book chapter. By pulling out these keywords, you create a "map" of the content, triggering your memory and helping you recall the broader context. Keywords also aid in accelerated learning and mind mapping. For example, if you're reading about email management, keywords like "folder structure" and "workflow" immediately convey the main ideas without the need for lengthy notes.
Tuning In Beforehand
Tuning in to the topic beforehand is a crucial step in effective note-taking. It means familiarising yourself with the key concepts, terms, and even presentation slides, if available. This preparation ensures you're not encountering the material for the first time during the lecture, giving you a solid foundation for note-taking. It also allows you to identify any areas you need clarification on, so you can actively listen for those points during the lecture.
Advantages of Reading Beforehand and Identifying Keywords
- Saves time and energy: By understanding the context and identifying keywords, you can take concise notes, reducing the amount of writing and review time needed.
- Enhances comprehension and retention: Reading beforehand and identifying keywords improves your understanding and memory retention, making it easier to recall information during assignments or exams.
- Facilitates active learning: This approach encourages active engagement with the material, helping you make meaningful connections and deepen your understanding.
- Reduces stress: By preparing in advance, you can take notes at your own pace, reducing the pressure of capturing all the information during the lecture.
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During the lecture: Active listening, connecting ideas
Note-taking is a highly personal endeavour, and different students will have their own preferences when it comes to the format and style of their notes. However, there are some general strategies that can help you develop your note-taking skills and make the most of your time at university.
During the lecture: Active listening and connecting ideas
Active listening is a crucial skill to develop when taking notes during a lecture. This means engaging with the material and connecting it to what you already know, rather than passively absorbing information. Pay attention to keywords and phrases that indicate the structure of the lecture, such as "first", "second", "finally", or "to sum up". These can help you identify the main points and organise your notes accordingly.
It is also important to connect new ideas with your existing knowledge. Ask yourself: do I agree with this? How does this fit with what I already know? Why or why not? This approach will help you understand and remember the information better.
Another way to engage with the material is to use the Cornell notes method. This involves dividing your page into two columns: one for key points and the other for your questions, comments, and connections related to those points. This format encourages active listening and critical thinking, helping you process and understand the information more effectively.
If you are using a laptop or digital device for note-taking, you can easily reorganise your notes after the lecture to create a meaningful structure. This allows you to make connections between ideas and add your own commentary, enhancing your understanding of the material.
Tips for effective note-taking during lectures:
- Use colour-coding, highlighting, underlining, or diagrams to make your notes memorable and visually appealing.
- Leave space in your notes to add comments or clarifications later.
- If you are directly quoting a source, use a different colour or format to distinguish it from your own thoughts.
- Record bibliographic details, including the date, lecture name, and page numbers of any quotes, to avoid accidental plagiarism.
- Use mind maps or spider diagrams to show connections between ideas and keep your notes concise.
- Try to anticipate the main points of the lecture beforehand to help you identify key information and understand the lecture more easily.
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After the lecture: Reviewing, rewriting, and consolidating
After the lecture, it is important to review, rewrite, and consolidate your notes. This is a crucial step in the note-taking process as it enhances your understanding and retention of the material. Here are some strategies to consider:
Reviewing Your Notes
Start by reviewing your notes as soon as possible after the lecture. This helps reinforce the information while it is still fresh in your memory. Look for any gaps or unclear sections and fill them in with additional research or by asking peers or the lecturer for clarification. Leave some space in your notes to supplement them with your independent reading and additional insights.
Rewriting and Consolidating
Rewrite your notes to make them neater and more organised. This is also an opportunity to summarise and condense the information, making it more concise and meaningful. You can use colour, diagrams, mind maps, or flow charts to structure your notes and make them easier to understand. Organise your notes into a logical filing system, either physically or digitally, to ensure you can easily retrieve the information when needed.
Enhancing Your Notes
Add additional context to your notes by relating them to real-life examples, case studies, or your own experiences. This helps to deepen your understanding and make the information more memorable. Use your own words to summarise key concepts and ideas, and include illustrations or diagrams to aid comprehension. Review your notes regularly to reinforce your learning and identify areas that require further clarification.
Avoiding Plagiarism
Accurate record-keeping is essential to avoid plagiarism. Ensure you note the source of any ideas or quotations, including the date, lecture name, and bibliographic details. Use different colours or highlighting to distinguish quotations from your own thoughts. Paraphrasing is a useful skill to develop, enabling you to explain complex ideas in your own words.
Using Digital Tools
Consider using digital tools such as Microsoft OneNote or other note-taking software to organise and structure your notes. These tools often offer features that can enhance your note-taking process, such as the ability to easily edit, rearrange, and reformat your notes. Additionally, you may have access to recorded lectures, which can be invaluable for reviewing and consolidating your notes.
By implementing these strategies, you can effectively review, rewrite, and consolidate your lecture notes, improving your understanding and retention of the material. Remember that note-taking is a personal process, so find the methods that work best for you and adapt them as needed.
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Organising notes: Colour, diagrams, mind maps, and folders
Colour, diagrams, mind maps, and folders are all useful tools for organising your notes and keeping them tidy, which is as important as knowing which note-taking techniques are most effective for you. Firstly, you could use coloured paper so that all related notes are made on sheets of the same colour. Alternatively, you can use a notebook with sections in different colours to keep all your notes in one place.
You can also use diagrams and mind maps to record information. For instance, use a table to record information when dealing with different theories or methodologies, and use a flow chart to record the different stages of procedures and processes. For recording how a piece of equipment works, use an image or diagram to detail each part. You can also use a 'mind map' or diagram to record how different points from various sources link up.
Using folders is another great way to organise your notes. You can use a concertina file, a folder, or a file with dividers to organise your notes according to topic, module, or assignment. On your computer, make sure to have one folder for notes from each different class, and use sub-folders if needed. Keep all your syllabi, hand-outs, and important papers for each class in the same place as your notes so that they are easily accessible.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to taking notes, as it is a very personal process. However, it is recommended to keep notes brief and succinct, reflecting the main themes and ideas. Many people find it effective to take notes in two stages: firstly, writing down the main points, and then summarising, condensing, and organising these notes later.
It is a good idea to prepare in advance for a lecture so that you can identify the main points and understand when something is worth taking note of. Class outlines, key technical words, and presentation slides are usually available 24 hours before a lecture.
Using colour, patterns, highlighting, and underlining can make your notes more memorable. You can also use illustrations, examples, and diagrams to help visualise ideas. Organising your notes with a logical filing system will also help you find them when you need them.
This is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer handwriting as it gives them more time to process information, while others find typing quicker and more efficient, as it is easier to edit and rearrange text.
Accurate record-keeping is essential to avoid plagiarism. Always write down the source of your notes, including the date, lecture name, bibliographic details, and page numbers of any quotes.
