Taking notes is a task that all students must learn during their school career. The usual (until now) is to do it instinctively, so we want this article to help you improve your technique and learn new ones.
Notes are essential when studying for exams. The problem is that they are not always well elaborated. It is not about writing down every word the teacher says but synthesizing and collecting the main points to allow you to remember the vital information. That is why we must learn to identify what is important, write it down clearly and simply, and also be able to structure the notes of the subjects.
Taking notes requires several actions: the first is to listen carefully to what the teacher says. The second is to understand the concepts and ideas they are trying to convey. And finally, to be able to synthesize them to be able to write them down.
The truth is that the best way to take notes is the one that each student considers most suitable for him. Each student must choose their own methodology. Therefore, first, we will show you some essential tips to help you take notes, and then we will tell you which are the best techniques so that you can apply the one you like the most in your daily life.
Tips For Learning How To Take Notes
As we mentioned initially, it is not about writing down everything the teacher says. So, what is essential to write down?
Significant keywords: write down the basic and most important ideas using your own language.
The teachers use sources: if they use a graphic, an image, or a quotation, write down the author and the source. This will help you find additional information if you need it, and you will be able to cite this information in the exam.
Outlines or visual maps: many professors use them to facilitate their explanations. You can also create them in your notes to associate ideas and facilitate further study.
Peer questions: these can also be used by the teacher to evaluate knowledge.
It is also essential to keep in mind that it is handy to use colored pens or highlighters to highlight what may be important when taking notes on paper and writing with understandable abbreviations.
And finally, try to structure your notes during class. By this, we mean writing down ideas in order, using headings, subheadings, and even enumerations and hyphens. This will allow you to save time and not have to do it later.
The Best Note-taking Techniques
The way of writing down and structuring information when taking notes requires following an order that gives them coherence at the time of their study. That is why we are going to show you some of the most useful techniques so that you can then decide which one is the best for you.
The Cornell Method
This is one of the most popular note-taking techniques. It consists of dividing the sheet of paper you are going to write on into three parts.
The column on the right is the main column, where you write down the important ideas that the teacher will explain during the class. As mentioned in the tips, you should write down significant keywords or short sentences with meaning. Abbreviations and outlines can also be used.
The left margin will be handy to complete the notes in order to understand them better. You can write questions that are answered in the right column or main ideas. Ideally, this section should be filled in after class, when the notes are reviewed.
The lower part of the sheet is intended to be filled in during study and review. It should contain a short summary summarizing the key points and serve as a flash card or study card.
Visual resources
75% of the brain processes information better through images, and therefore, when visual resources are used to support the written content, the result is easily understandable and visually very attractive so that concepts are better understood and retained.
Basically, we refer to the use of diagrams, graphs, or simple drawings to follow the explanation sequentially and avoid long paragraphs. In addition, it is very useful to use other visual elements such as colors or play with the font size to highlight what is important.
Within this type of note, we highlight two techniques.
Mind Mapping
Mind Mapping is an increasingly widespread technique. It was invented by Tony Buzan and consisted of taking notes in the form of a tree or outline choosing a keyword. This must be related to other secondary keywords, which are related to other words or expressions.
This allows you to develop ideas and connections simply and visually.
Sketchnoting
This technique is perfect for those who have a creative mind and love to draw. I use it when I write my essays. It consists of taking notes combining the use of text with graphic elements (usually simple drawings).
Everyone has their own style, so the aim is not to make the notes look super nice and full of content. The purpose of combining drawings with text is to synthesize so that the most important ideas can be seen at a glance.
Once the class is over, the best thing to do is review the notes you have taken to complete and layout them. Including headings, boxes or underlining will significantly facilitate further study and review before the exam.
Other articles from mtltimes.ca – totimes.ca – otttimes.ca
Mtl Wine Gal bringing affordable high-end private imported wine to your table
