1. Figure out what ‘format’ of notes you want to take
Do you have PPT slides/notes already printed out for you??? If not, do you like your notes in point form? Cornell notes? Can you print out ppt
You can search up some common note taking methods online. Find one that works for you (it differs according to individual and subject). What works for me is point form with annotations & drawing boxes around main concepts and formulas.
When you find the ideal method, stick to it. Make sure it’s 1. Easy to make 2. Easy to refer to 3. Easy to add on 4. Easy to study from in a pinch
2. Choose the right stationery
Seems insignificant but as we all know, class notes get super messy. It’s important to get a pen that doesn’t smudge, choose quick-drying highlighters and paper that doesn’t have too much bleed-through or ghosting issues if you take notes from scratch.
For my class notes, I like using 0.3 pens (thinner pen makes your notes look neater) and pilot frixion highlighters (because they’re erasable).
3. Pre-read the lesson material (if possible)
Read the textbook/whatever material provided to you. Write down keywords/ key points on a post it and stick it somewhere you can easily refer to during the lesson.
As the teacher carries out the lesson, use these keywords to create more structure in the lesson so that you’re not lost/missing out important information.
This also helps with understanding the material quickly during the lesson so that you actually digest what you’re taking down instead of blindly copying whatever comes out of the lecturer’s mouth.
4. Use pencil to annotate your notes & add on extra info
These annotations can be explanations that your professor or teacher forgot to say initially and were added on later etc. or just how it links to another part of the chapter
If your teacher provides additional examples, case studies, links or just another insight into the chapter, scribble it down somewhere on your notes.
When you go home, figure out if these are important. If yes, write them in again using pen. Things like links are often ‘single-use’ so I don’t bother writing it after I’ve visited the page.
Engage with your material, even as you’re frantically copying down the info. I know it’s difficult and that’s why step 3 could be a life-saver. Ensure that you have your post-it note from step 3 ready.
Things that are repeatedly emphasised by the lecturer should be highlighted, underlined or circled.
Important formulas should be boxed up or circled for easy reference. Diagrams should be drawn after class because they're time-consuming.
Make links between one point and another if possible. This ensures that you’re listening actively instead of copying passively
If you find yourself encountering issues with understanding how one key point leads to another, quickly raise your hand and present your queries.
If you have no time to underline or circle or highlight during class, use a pencil to mark out the words you want to take note of.
To write faster, use abbreviations and short forms wherever possible. For example if the lecturer says calcium deficiency you could just write Ca -. Or Ca def. or whatever works for you!
After taking your class notes, it’s time to review them. Read over the information and check if all key points have been covered. If not, ask about them the next lesson.
Note all the things written in pencil. Decide if they’re important. If not, erase them. If yes, write them in. View all ‘extra info’ that the teacher provides such as videos and webpages.
Highlight/circle/underline whatever necessary info that you didn’t have time to do during the lecture. Draw any undrawn diagrams.
Try to understand whatever was taught. Can you link the concepts and points together? Can you roughly explain it to someone in 5 mins? If yes, congratulations! If not, either review again, consult the textbook/lecturer/friend, or maybe just watch more videos on the internet to help you.
Try some practice problems if there are any.
Optional, but often times I write another set of notes which I take from all my class notes, worksheets, textbooks and ppt slides. This is rather time-consuming so it’s not for everyone. These are the slightly more ‘fancy’ notes that I post.
At this stage, it’s more of consolidating all your learning and materials.
After you’re done, keep these as well as your class notes in a folder/binder for easy reference. Never throw away your notes if you’re still taking the subject. You may need to refer to earlier content later on.
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here's an example of how mine would look like (note: i do mine on paper but since i couldn't find any more of my own i decided to redo a digital one that looks as similar as possible)
janainaart
gummygunk
dailybridgerton
yousharknotpass
areudirty
kianamaiart
origamiaround
2087
germansingergirl
