#sept-studies

7 WAYS TO POWER UP YOUR NOTETAKING STRATEGIES!

#1 Use your own words

Don't just transcribe lectures or copy word for word out a textbook

By writing notes out in your own words you develop a deeper understanding of the material and you will engage your brain more. This helps the material stick better ready for later revision.

It also means that you will be creating a personalised, powerful record of your material that fits with how you think.

#2 Transform your notes after class

Once you have finished the lecture, write a summary in a different style

If you transform your notes into a summary, diagram or mindmap, you create new retrieval paths in your memory and helps to consolidate the information.

The test also probably won't look like your notes so using and applying your notes by transforming them gives you practice with the material in different formats.

#3 Take notes no matter what

Even if you are given notes, make sure to write your own notes too

You may be given lecture/powerpoint slides or pre-made notes from your teacher, but it is important to remember that this is only a starting point!

Your thinking really matters! That's why it is important to write your own notes too because you can add your own associations, questions and details that might not be captured in the slides. This doesn't have to be completely separate from the notes you were given, because you could, for example, print out and then annotate the lecture slides with your own impressions and ideas.

#4 Take notes by hand if possible

Typing may seem like the easier option but handwriting is usually much better

Notetaking on your laptop can invite multitasking and distract from listening and learning. You can always convert your notes to a digital format later as part of your study process. 

Many studies have also shown that it is better to handwrite notes during lectures and classes as this leads to better recall and thus better performance in tests. This is because, when typing, people are more predisposed to simply write exactly what the speaker is saying, instead of using your own words.

#5 Use consistent abbreviations & symbols

This saves time when writing and can be used to make connections 

One of the most difficult aspects of taking notes during lectures is that you cannot both listen and write at the same time. Abbreviations and symbols help you get information down quickly so you can get back to listening.

Abbreviations mean you can get down the main points but still understand the meaning. There are many common ones but you could also develop your own specific abbreviations related for your course.

Symbols are also useful as you can develop your own personal system which will help to make connections. For example, if you were studying a book for literature, you could create a symbol for each character.  

#6 Be open to trying new things

Challenge yourself to take notes in a new style to find what works for you

There are so many different notetaking methods that you could try out to see what is more efficient depending on the situation and content. Trying new methods also makes your brain more engaged in what you are writing. 

#7 Take notes in all of your learning environments

Don't just take notes from lectures, also take notes during tutorials and class discussions

Lectures aren't the only learning opportunities that you will have. Class discussions and comments from other students are also very valuable because they can help you hear some different perspectives. This can spur and deepen your thinking and understanding, which is why it is important to also take notes during these sessions of any interesting ideas that arise.  

Thank you for reading!