Note Taking Tips
Cornell Notes - recommended for video notes!
One way to take notes is to use the Cornell method. This may be especially helpful if you are taking notes based on a video and cannot preview the information as you can when reading a text (see below). When you take notes in this way, you set up your notebook to look like this:
In addition to a summary of the information, you can also write down any questions that you may have about the topic.
Above is a great video that explains this method!
Taking Notes as You Read
One of the important skills that all students need to learn is how to take notes that will help you learn and understand the material. A helpful strategy for taking notes when reading a textbook or similar sources is known as PQRST:
P = Preview
Scan the chapter, paying special attention to introductory and concluding sentences, bold/italicized words, and figures within the chapter.
Q = Question
Ask yourself what the chapter is about (many textbooks include key questions at the beginning of each chapter). Try to answer the questions orally based on what you currently know. It's much easier to learn something when you acknowledge what you already know (or think) about the topic.
R = Read
Carefully read the chapter and create an outline of the information as you go. Do not write down every detail! Doing so will make it very difficult to pick out the important information later on; just create a general outline (more on outlines below).
S = Study
Fill in your outline with the important details (be sure to include all bold/italicized words). Review the important concepts that you identified earlier (Q) and make sure that your notes answer these questions.
T = Test
Shut your book and notes and try to recall as much information as possible (talk out loud to yourself). Jot down concepts that need to be reviewed and go back to those later (not immediately).
Creating an Outline
***Always include your name, the date, and the chapter and title on your notes. You should also number each page of your notes and include the chapter number on each page in case anything gets misplaced or you lend notes to a friend. Many students prefer to type notes, while others prefer to write notes by hand. Figure out what works best for YOU!
I. Chapter subheading or first main topic
A. Key fact or idea
1. supporting detail
2. supporting detail
3. continue as needed...
B. Second key fact or idea
1. supporting detail
2. continue...
II. Chapter subheading or second main topic
A. Key fact or idea
1. supporting detail
2. etc...
III. Continue as needed with a separate Roman numeral for each subheading/main topic
Conclusion/Summary: Address the "big picture" (think back to those key questions from the beginning of the chapter) and focus on the most important information you must remember from this reading.
Don't forget about the figures within the chapter! The charts, tables, and pictures will help you understand the material. When the reading references a figure (Table 1-1 and Figure 1-2), look at the mentioned figures and include helpful information in your notes.
Five note-taking strategies from College Info Geek
Do you struggle taking notes during an oral presentation? Check out these note taking systems.