Introduction to Note-Making
The ability to make notes effectively is an important academic skill.
Using an appropriate note-making strategy will help you during lectures, as well as when reading, researching for assignments, and revising for exams.
When making notes, it is best to use your own words rather than passively repeating others.
This approach helps develop your understanding of the subject area. We make notes to recall, record, and summarise information, which helps us interact with new ideas and plan for assessments.
The Key to Effective Note-Making
Note-making is a skill that requires focus and practice. It is good practice to give your notes a title and a date to make them easily identifiable. Use a structured approach to writing your notes by using headings and subheadings.
Organising your notes in this way will emphasise key sections. Use keywords and phrases to highlight particular ideas or concepts and include citation details for sources you have used.
Use highlighters to differentiate between your words and those of others, and include your own reflections on the subject.
Technologies and Apps
While some people prefer to use pen and paper to generate notes, technology is available to support you with note making.
You can add your notes directly to a Google doc or Word document, although there are also dedicated apps available for note making that have enhanced features that you might find useful, such as Quizlet.
Technology like smart pens and voice recorders, or apps like OneNote, Ever Note, Sound Notes and Super Notes are great for capturing and sharing notes.
Note making Techniques and guidelines
For effective note-making, follow these guidelines:
- Be Brief and Precise: Summarise the main ideas of the introduction each section and conclusion.
- Use Your Own Words: This helps you process information and avoid plagiarism.
- Mark Uncertainties: Use a question mark to highlight areas you are unsure about and need to revisit.
- Keep References: Maintain a record of complete references for future use and consider using referencing management software like RefWorks. Record significant quotes with their corresponding page numbers.
- Stay Focused: Ensure your notes serve your specific purpose.
- Personal Understanding: It is important that you understand your notes even if others might not. Avoid writing down everything; focus on the main points.
- Organise and Revisit: Regularly revisit and organise your notes for better retention and as an aid for revision and writing.
- Differentiate Sources: Use different colours for direct quotes or topics.
- Experiment with Methods: Try different note-making techniques such as linear lists mind maps or tables.
- Use Highlights: Highlight important points using underlining symbols or post-its.
Summary of Note-Making Techniques
There are different techniques for note making. See below for a list of the most popular styles and some general note making guidelines.
Making Notes In Lectures & Seminars
A short guide
This short video will explain how to enhance your learning by active note making before, during and after seminars and lectures.
Making Cornell Notes
A short guide
This short video will show how to construct a Cornell Method note and explain what type of information you should be noting.