Hi Violet, do you have any tips on how to take more effective notes during a lecture? I’m heading to college soon and I’m just a little bit worried that I won’t know exactly how to take notes during class especially if the lecturer might talk fast or something like that. Any tips and advice can help! Thank you 🌟 I hope you’re doing okay today!
Hello anon and thank you for the ask!! I’ve answered this in the past here but here’s an updated/streamlined answer:
If your professor uploads handouts, ppts, readings ahead of time, I suggest reading and annotating those before class. I would either print out the material and write on the margins, or use post-its. That or write notes in my notebook. For example, I would divide the page in half and only use the left-hand side of the page so when I get to class, I have the right-hand side to add bits of information from lecture.
If you don’t get material in advance, consult the syllabus. Do the work in advance such as reading the textbook chapter to be discussed. Highlight key points, list down vocabulary, key dates, etc.
Most professors conduct class based on the assumption that work was done prior to lecture. You wouldn’t want to fall behind so never let lecture days come and find you empty handed.
If you’re allowed to record the lecture, ask yourself if you think it’s useful or it’ll just be info overload. When it comes to notes, more information doesn’t always translate to deeper understanding.
I think paying attention is really the best way to make the most out of lecture. Engage, recite in class and ask questions. There would be less to worry about if you’ve done work in advanced and you’re able to maximize your time with the professor this way.
If you did the preliminary note taking I suggested above, you’ll pretty much know if the professor brings up a point you didn’t encounter or if they’re exploring a point by giving more examples in class. Add it to your pre-class notes. Again, this can just be messy. Use post-its if you’re unsure where to add the new information.
Take your pre-class notes and everything else you’ve added to it during lecture and organize it. Merge everything. Depending on the subject matter, you may want to arrange it as a timeline or as an outline, etc.
If you recorded the lecture, make sure you allot time to go through it. I would use it as a means to confirm all the information I already have noted down rather than to take down more notes.
Lastly, reread your notes. Cover them and see if you can recite what’s on the page.
Your notes can look however you want them to. Aesthetic or not it’s all up to you. Live your best life.
I would suggest, however, to use scratch paper for your initial notes and for when you’re quickly writing notes during lecture. It saves notebook paper and there’s no pressure to spend so much time making it look perfect right away--you can just focus on getting information down on paper.
I like to write complete sentences when I’m trying to “tell a story” so I get a sense of the lesson especially if the subject is History or Literature. But for other subjects, a mind map, a timeline format or bullet points convey the lesson better. Again, I think this is highly subjective. Different styles serve different purposes in varying levels of efficiency.
There’s this idea that handwritten notes are better for retention. I personally remember something better when I write it down but that doesn’t mean digital notes (typed or written with a stylus) are not useful.
This may or may not apply to you but I know several people who never took notes and got perfect grades. Writing is just not their style. They prefer to discuss and listen. Again, it takes getting to know what works for you.
Anyway, that’s all I have for now. I may add to this list later. I hope this is helpful somehow and I hope this covers enough ground. This is a bit of a general answer so if you need more specific help, please feel free to send me an ask again! I’m always happy to help. I think it’s all a bit of trial and error, tbh.
Best of luck with uni and thank you again for the ask! xo
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