#heyharri

Myth 1: All you need to do is take notes during class

Notes are only as good as what you do with them after class.

Learning happens when you put notes to use. Here are a few ways to commit notes to memory:

Transform your notes into a new format (summary, mindmap, etc.)

Explain your notes and main points aloud to someone else

Write possible test questions based on your notes 

Create a study guide that you add to each week with new information and connections you’ve made

Myth 2: You should write down everything you hear in a lecture

This is something you should absolutely avoid because it's easy to miss important information and you might end up simply transcribing instead of actually listening. Instead…

Listen for key points and signposting

Translate ideas into your own words

Listen 80% of the time and write 20% of the time

If you know you have a question about a concept, don’t stress - simply mark it in your notes for review after class

Myth 3: There is one “right” way to take notes

Everyone learns differently so you should find a system that works for you and what you are studying. The important elements to remember in any system are:

Take notes in your own words instead of transcribing 

Be brief and use phrases and abbreviations

Include enough detail to use (and transform) the notes later

Leave space to add information from other sources and answer any questions you may have

Myth 4: Quantity = Quality

Excessive notetaking may not be quality notetaking as you may be spending time writing up irrelevant information. Check your balance between listening, learning, and notetaking by asking…

Am I focused on comprehension during lectures (rather than on transcription)?

Can I recall and explain what I learned after lecture?

Do my notes have enough main points and detail for me to use them later in a new way? (e.g. writing a summary, drawing a mind map)

Thank you for reading!