One of the secrets of outstanding students is knowing how to take study notes effectively during lectures. We have outlined up to 15 Best Practices for Note-Taking in Class equipped with step-by-step instructions to guide you on this topic of discussion.
The lecturer will say a thousand one things in attempt to proof a point while lecturing, but your ability to capture key points will give you an unfair advantage during exams and prize-winning competitions.
Meanwhile, Note-taking (also written without as “Note taking”) is referred to as the practice of noting down important information while in a lecture session or any study session. The practice of taking notes is good by way of helping the student free his/her mind from having to recall everything.
Use the tips (below) to figure out the best ways to take notes in class or school as the case may be (With little effort, you can be a perfect note taker).
THE BEST WAY TO TAKE STUDY NOTES FOR CLASS
- Sit in front of the class
- Settle on the Best Strategy (Paper or Digital (tabs or laptop)
- Keep Your Notes Short
- Write Neatly
- Get Organized
- Limit Distractions
- Foster a System
- Use Space Meaningfully
- Use Abbreviations
- Zero in on Main Points
- Think While You Write
- Feature Key Points (very important)
- Refer to Sources
- Number Your Pages
- Take note of Questions
#1. Sit in front of the class:
Many students appear to have a problem sitting in front of the class, yet it’s the best spot to stay attentive.
Would you rather be in the first line at a show or toward the rear of the gallery? Treat class the same way.
For a good class experience, pick the Front of the Class.
#2. Settle on the Best Strategy (Paper or Digital (tabs or laptop):
Taking powerful notes in school well requires a system. The two most ideal ways to take notes in school are on paper, pencil, pens, or digital, and we’ll discuss the two procedures later.
Many people can type quicker than they can write; however, some class settings may require a more visual way to deal with note-taking. Assuming you’re using a PC, drawing even basic illustrations on the go can be truly difficult to do.
Research shows that individuals prefer when they write over when they type, but the choice is completely yours.
#3. Keep Your Notes Short:
It’s appealing to attempt to catch everything the teacher says, yet this is counter-productive. Assuming you’re a particularly quick typist, you could catch almost everything. However, would it be advisable for you? Do you truly need to head into a test with six pages of written notes from each class?
It’s smarter to hold your notes to a shortlist, zeroing in on what is by all accounts the most significant. You additionally don’t have to take down stuff, you know. Write more new information.
#4. Write Neatly:
Anytime you decide to write your notes, ensure you understand what you’re writing. Write as perfectly as you can so you don’t need to invest a lot of energy translating yourself later.
Many individuals battle to do this, regardless of whether they have sketchy handwriting or an actual impediment. When composing rapidly, assuming that you can’t write flawlessly to the point of effectively reading your notes later, then, at that point, you may have to think about changing to another note-taking technique.
#5. Get Organized:
Disordered notes can be horrible when it’s time to study; regardless of whether you’re writing manually or writing into a PC or tablet, set up a framework before you start. Microsoft OneNote is a good application that most undergrads now use. This note-taking application allows you to arrange your notes into virtual pads and tabs.
We can’t know which plan is ideal for you; however, we can tell you that it’s fundamental to have an ordered arrangement before you get everything rolling.
#6. Limit Distractions:
We live in an information age, and we all love to think we can perform multiple tasks like an ace. There’s only one issue with this hypothesis: We can’t. Brain science and neuroscience have shown that performing various tasks is a myth.
Assuming you’re taking notes on a gadget, switch off notifications from everything except the most fundamental applications. You can’t bear the cost of the interruptions to take great notes.
Recommended Reads:
How to Win a Full Scholarship in the UK: Useful Points to Note
Tips to Avoid Social Media Distractions While Studying or Preparing for Exam
Tips to Winning a Scholarship: How to Write a Winning Research Proposal
#7. Foster a System:
One of our most loved note-taking tips for school is to adopt a system. Your cerebrum longs for schedule, so finding a decent one for note-taking will lay out the groundwork for you.
For instance, don’t delay until the talk begins to get your organized data (date, Class, point, and so forth). Take some time before the week starts to set up your note-taking space for the coming week with the goal that when you get to class, you’re prepared to begin taking notes when the teacher begins.
There’s something else to fostering a framework. We’ll cover those viewpoints in a portion of different places.
#8. Use Space Meaningfully:
Whether you’re writing or taking notes carefully, it’s critical to utilize space definitively.
Write the central matters bigger than the rest (or utilize worked in heading levels in OneNote, Word, or any place you’re taking your advanced notes). Leave edge space for “bunny trails.”
Permit yourself space for a speedy representation or outline, assuming that appears to be legit for your discipline. You can likewise feature key terms to step your consideration back to them. (This works similarly also carefully as on paper as well)
#9. Use Abbreviations:
An abbreviation is always a speed trick to getting notes down faster. They save time and can even fill in as a memory guide. Regardless of whether you’re writing, you essentially don’t have to write out everything. Figure out how to shorten your course name, for instance. (History of Civilization as of now gets chopped down to History of Civ. However, for your writing purposes, why not slice it down to HCiv?)
It is equivalent for every other term, particularly long ones. When you know the term, visualize an abbreviation that you’ll recall. Save time.
#10. Zero in on Main Points:
Regarding taking great notes in school, you’ll never catch everything, not successfully, at any time. It’s much better to concentrate on the central points.
Note the subject of discussion, then convert the points into diagrams or structure.
#11. Think While You Write:
Ensure you keep your mind active and think while you write.
Ponder more than the words your teacher is saying. Think rather than concentrate on why your teacher is saying them and the important things you want to get from what the instructor is talking about.
Great note-taking includes writing your own decisions based on what’s being said, not simply taking down each word.
#12. Feature Key Points (very important):
We suggested making an outline in your notes and making the primary concerns of the illustration bigger. However, there will be other independent focus points that your teacher specifies regularly. These may not be the principal layout points, however regularly, it’s obvious to show that they are important.
#13. Refer to Sources:
For the most part, students are encouraged to refer to their sources material just when a paper is in view. We concur that you ought to do that; however, we do not talk about it here.
Some portion of taking great notes in school refers to any sources that the speaker refers to. No one can tell when you may have to go further into the source material. You’ll be more prepared than your colleagues if you know the sources your educator has currently suggested.
#14. Number Your Pages:
This tip is solely for the individuals who take notes manually. We can’t put more pressure because it is essential to number your pages. You’re only one cover drop away from having no clue about what’s page one and what’s page six, and you have to number your note pages better.
#15. Take note of Questions:
As you take notes, it is important to write down questions as they come. A few customary teachers may not handle Questions until the end of the class, and it’s difficult to remember at that time.
Recording questions as you get them is a great method for remaining focused, and it gives you an asset to follow up either in class or outside of class with your teacher.
Conclusion:
Your academic performance will improve if you follow these recommended tips.