Note Taking for Students: How to Take Notes Efficiently

Note taking is more than just writing down what you hear in class—it's an essential tool for learning, understanding, and remembering new information.

Notes are not just a collection of facts; they are a way to personalize and organize information in a way that makes sense to you. They help you make connections between topics, remember key points, and study effectively for exams.

Good notes can help you prepare for tests, revisit what you learned, and even explain concepts to a friend. By making note taking an active part of your learning routine, you can boost your understanding of difficult subjects and retain information better.

Common Mistakes in Note Taking and Challenges

While note taking can be a powerful tool, there are some common mistakes that students make, which can reduce its effectiveness. Here are some misconceptions and challenges many face when taking notes:

Writing Down Everything: One of the biggest mistakes students make is trying to write down every word their professor says. This can be overwhelming, and it often leads to notes that are too detailed to be useful. Instead of capturing every word, focus on the main ideas and key points. Summarizing in your own words can help you understand and remember better.

Neglecting Notes After Class: Another mistake is assuming that note taking ends once the class is over. Notes are only helpful if you use them after class to reinforce learning. Without reviewing and adding to them, important details may be forgotten. Spending a few minutes after class revisiting your notes, filling in gaps, or transforming them into another format (like a mind map) can significantly enhance your learning.

Thinking There Is a Perfect Method: There is no one-size-fits-all way to take notes. Many students believe they need to find the perfect note taking method, but effective note taking varies depending on the course or subject. The important thing is to find a system that works for you, whether that’s the Cornell method, mind maps, or simple outlines.

Relying Only on the Slides: Some students depend too heavily on lecture slides or instructor notes. While these can be a useful starting point, they don't replace your own thinking and understanding. Adding your thoughts, questions, and connections is essential to make your notes valuable.

Practical Tips to Take Notes Efficiently

If you want to improve your note taking and make the most of your time in class, here are some practical suggestions:

Prepare Before Class: Note taking doesn’t start when your professor begins the lecture. Prepare beforehand by reviewing assigned readings, lecture slides, or videos. Come up with questions or topics that you hope will be discussed. This way, you’ll know what to expect and will be able to pay extra attention to the key points.

Use Your Own Words: When taking notes, try to use your own words rather than copying what the instructor says word-for-word. This helps your brain process the information and makes it easier for you to understand later. Translating content into your own language improves comprehension and retention.

Be Selective and Listen Actively: You don't need to write everything down. Instead, listen for the main points and capture examples, definitions, and connections. Key terms, repeated ideas, and any list or numbered points are often important to note. Aim to listen about 80% of the time and write about 20%, focusing on critical details rather than every single word.

Add Structure: Use headings, bullet points, and symbols to give structure to your notes. Consistent use of abbreviations and symbols can also save time. Some students like to use the Cornell method, which involves splitting notes into two columns—one for key points and the other for details—with a summary at the bottom.

Review and Revise Your Notes: After class, make it a habit to revisit your notes. Add details you might have missed or write questions that came up. You could also transform your notes into a new format. For example, turn them into a mind map or create practice questions to quiz yourself. This extra effort helps reinforce learning and makes the material more memorable.

Connect Ideas: When studying, try to link the current class notes to concepts from previous weeks or other courses. This helps create a web of knowledge, making it easier to recall information. Making connections also deepens your understanding, especially in subjects that build on earlier knowledge.

Don’t Forget to Use All Your Learning Tools: If your instructor shares slides or recordings, use them to fill in any gaps in your notes. You can also compare notes with a classmate to see if you missed anything. Office hours are another great resource for clearing up confusion and getting the most out of your notes.

Remember, there’s no perfect method—find what works best for you. Whether it’s creating mind maps, using the Cornell method, or discussing your notes with a friend, good note taking can be your key to success in college.