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Jot It Down
Jot It Down
Methods, samples, and tips to help you get the most out of your textbooks and lectures
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why Take Notes?
Why Take Notes?
Helps you remember information for later
Helps you concentrate in class
Useful for working on assignments and preparing for tests
Provides clues as to what the instructor may feel is most important (e.g., what may be on the next test)
Often contain information that can't be found elsewhere (e.g., the textbook)
Note Taking.pdfNote-taking methods
Summary of 3 note-taking methods
(Source: Goodnotes)
Outlining Method
Outlining Method
(Source: Sheridan College)
How to use the outlining method
(Source: UTM Robert Gillespie Academic Skills Centre)
Outlining method sample
(Source: Adapted from The University of Tennessee Chattanooga)
When can I use this method?
Benefits:
Naturally aligns with structured lectures (e.g., slideshows) or readings
Straightforward organization (doesn't require much consideration for what to place where)
Clear relationships and hierarchies between topics
Headings can be used to create study questions
Easy to format on an electronic device
Easy to rewrite in another format for studying, if desired
Math option: For content with lots of formulas, have a bullet with the formula name, then the formula, then any additional notes
Drawbacks:
Can lend itself to thoughtlessly writing down exactly what the slide, reading, or professor says without adding anything of your own
Can be challenging for less structured classes or classes that require a lot of visuals or calculations (especially STEM subjects)
Cornell Method
Cornell Method
(Source: Sheridan College)
Cornell method
(Source: Learning Strategies Center, Cornell University)
Cornell Method Notes SamplesCornell method samples
(Source: Benowa State High School)
Cornell Notes TemplateCornell method template
(Source: Honolulu Community College)
Cornell method template
(Source: Google Docs)
When can I use this method?
Benefits:
Naturally pairs notes and commentary in one place
Emphasizes major topics and questions for easy location and review
Helps with organization and comprehension
Encourages reflection while taking notes
Good for courses where participation is encouraged
Summarizing notes can help you practice for an essay or short-answer question on an exam
Modification option for STEM: Lecture notes on the left side of the page and formulas/corresponding SI unit/real-world applications for a concept on the right side of the page
Drawbacks:
Requires more effort and focus to summarize key points and identify questions, especially during class
Limited space in each section when taking notes by hand
Can be difficult to format on an electronic device - making/downloading and copying a template can help
Charting Method
Charting Method
(Source: Sheridan College)
Charting method
(Source: Austin Peay State University Writing Center)
Charting method sample
(Source: Adapted from Plaud)
When can I use this method?
Benefits:
Can identify relevant information and attributes quickly
Reduces amount of in-class writing needed, so it's helpful for fast-paced or content-heavy courses
Helps with memorization of facts and relationships
Can be used as a template for rewriting other notes for studying
Drawbacks:
Need to know categories of content before class
Difficult to add or rearrange during class
Can be challenging for content with lots of visuals or calculations (especially STEM subjects)
Can be difficult to use when content is not provided in a structured form
Note-Taking Tips
Note-Taking Tips
Organization
Organization
Make sure your notes are organized in a way that you will be able to follow later, especially if you take a lot of notes.
Try associating a place in your notebook with a particular topic or theme to help you find that information more easily.
It's okay to be messy: as long as your brain can connect the dots later, any notes that make sense to you are good notes.
Make sure to note which section, chapter, and/or page number your notes pertain to so that you can trace it back later.
Pre-reading your textbook or other materials before a lecture can give you an idea of which note-taking format to use and some questions you’ll be looking to answer.
Not every note-taking method may be a natural fit for every topic or subject - if one method isn't making sense to you or isn't feasible in a certain setting, try a different method.
Use the textbook or any lesson plans provided to you as a basis for your notes, then add to it from any assigned readings or lectures.
Try printing out materials provided to you so you can write over them. If you prefer having more space to write or less to print, slideshows and documents can usually be printed in note printout format so that you can write your notes to the side.
Writing to Remember
Writing to Remember
If possible, handwriting notes tends to be better than using digital notes: they can offer fewer distractions, allow you to better remember the material, and create a more effective "trigger point" for your memory during exam prep.
Write your notes using phrases or images that are meaningful to you and are not time-consuming to write.
Make sure to highlight and define important terms in a place that catches your attention. If you prefer, you can use arrows to create threads for elaboration (instead of indentation or bullets).
Don't shy away from using abbreviations, slang, or acronyms in your notes.
Paraphrase or summarize the professor's or textbook's words in a way that will stick with you.
Use color-coding: lots of highlighters in different colors with a key to differentiate types of information.
If you own your textbook or have a personal copy to write on, try annotating directly on your texbook next to important spots. If you can't do this, use sticky notes or flags to call attention to these spots and add your thoughts.
What to Include
What to Include
Don't overwhelm yourself: hit the main points and fill in the rest later. Your goal is to identify and write down the most relevant and important parts of the chapter or section.
If you miss anything, leave space to fill in after class.
To help you prioritize information, think about what the professor emphasizes a lot (verbally or on a slide) or what the textbook includes in any chapter reviews or checks for understanding. These will likely be the most important things to remember.
Using the SQ3R or SQ4R method can help guide your note-taking, especially after reading a textbook, essay, or other large piece of text.
Outside of Class
Outside of Class
If possible, compare notes with your classmates to help each other review the content and fill in any gaps you may have.
After class, go through everything the professor has covered during that class and explain it. Make sure everything the professor emphasizes (including any examples or practice problems) is included so that the exam will hold no unwelcome surprises.
If your professor records their lectures, watch or listen to it multiple times - having it in multiple forms (e.g., written and auditory) can help you remember it more effectively.
Digital Note-Taking Tools:
Google Docs/Microsoft Word: Use bullets, indentation, and/or numbers to break up/order topics (come with Google Workspace/Microsoft Office 365)
Microsoft OneNote: Compile digital notebooks with writing, typing, and pictures (comes with Microsoft Office 365)
Goodnotes: Digital note-taking program for tablets
Notability: AI tool that can turn your notes into summaries, flash cards, and quizzes
NotebookLM: AI tool that helps organize and summarize your notes for studying
There are plenty of tools and templates beyond the ones listed here: search on YouTube or LibGuides from various universities (through Google) to find more options and guides on how to use them. Many of the thought organizers on the "Study Skills" page of this site can also be used to help you take notes.
Reading and Annotating for Comprehension
Reading and Annotating for Comprehension
Maximize Comprehension by Marking Your Texts (clarified)Maximize comprehension by marking your texts
(If you own or can write in/on your text - not for rentals!)
Annotations Tip Sheet.pdfAnnotating your reading
Annotation TipsAnnotating articles and textbooks
Good Questions to Promote Metacognition.pdfQuestions to promote metacognition
The SQ4R Technique.pdfSQ4R technique for reading
Tips for Reading Science Textbooks.pdfTips for reading science textbooks (SQ3R technique)
Need More Help?
Need More Help?
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