Do you know how to take (great) notes?

Study Station
Apr 19, 2020
3 min read

It can often be difficult to tell if you’re taking notes effectively. With multiple strategies, ways to write information down, and retain data, it’s important to understand the best note-taking method that suits your needs. Keep reading for 5 notes, on note-taking!

1. Paper vs online

Perhaps one of the most controversial subjects, which is better? The answer is what best suits YOU and what you’re feeling comfortable with. Pros and cons of each method exist (and you might even find yourself doing a combination of both!), so evaluate each of the options - you can always switch it up, so remember that you’re not locked in on one method. Consider the following:

2. Shorthand strategies

Shorthand strategies are often used to reduce the amount of time it takes to write something down (both online and on paper). By devising your own shorthand, or taking after pre-existing strategies, you’ll be able to get more of your thoughts/information down. Pitman shorthand and Gregg shorthand are a few examples (they work better on paper). Even if you don’t want to memorize each of these, you can find ways to personalize your own notes or make certain symbols to simplify and cut down on the writing, often for speed (eg. “w” with a line on top could represent “with”). If you develop your own form of shorthand, it may be a good idea for you to develop a “key” in case you forget what your symbols/abbreviations mean!

3. Don’t write EVERYTHING down

Writing information “verbatim” (word for word) may seem like a good idea, but in reality it makes it harder for you to recall the content. When writing definitions down, be sure to get all the key words and concepts, but remember that your entire notebook shouldn’t be a handwritten version of the textbook. Re-phrasing is a great way to retain information and ensure you understand the concepts!

4. Re-writing… or not?

Some say that “re-writing notes is how I remember”. This may be true, and it’s wonderful that you’ve found a learning strategy that works for you, but don’t spend too much time on it! If you’re making a second batch of notes look “perfect”, and you devote yourself to duplicating your original note, your time is deviated from actually understanding the content. If re-writing helps, try using a whiteboard or write on some scrap paper. You’ll still be “re-writing notes”, but you won’t be wasting time making a second copy of notes you already have (which are, hopefully, neatly written and easily accessible to refer to!). Remember, you’re a LEARNER, not a PHOTOCOPIER!

5. Be proud of your notes!

Make it fun - if you’re spending time writing notes (online or on paper), you should be proud of the final product. If it motivates you to take better notes, go out and buy a nice pen or some inspirational stationary to get you excited about the joy of notetaking - it is what you make it!

The takeaway?

Do your research, and determine what’s best for YOU!

Disclaimer: All opinions and advice given is based on the thoughts and experiences of Lauren Fong, creator of Study Station, author of this article - and is therefore bias. This article aims to serve as a tool for other students to provide guidance. In no way, shape or form is the information or opinion provided in this article responsible for the success of those who read and decide to use information found in the article.

Works Cited

May, Cindi. “A Learning Secret: Don't Take Notes with a Laptop.” Scientific American, Scientific American, 3 June 2014, www.scientificamerican.com/article/a-learning- secret-don-t-take-notes-with-a-laptop/.