Making Effective Notes

Introduction to Note-Making

The ability to make notes effectively is an important academic skill. Using an appropriate note making strategy will not only help you during lectures but also when you are reading or researching for assignments and revising for exams.

When making notes it is best to use your own words, rather than passively repeat others. This will help your understanding of the subject area.

Notes are made to:

Help remember important facts and information
Summarise and highlight key information
Help understand and interact with new ideas
Reorganise information
Plan assignments
Revise for exams
Keep a record of information

The Key to Effective Note-Making

Note-making is a skill that requires focus and practice. It is good practice to add a title and date, to make them 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 to the information source. Use highlighters to differentiate between your words and those of others, and include your reflections on the subject.

Technologies and Apps

Technology is available to support you with note-making.

Notes can be added directly to a Google or Word document.

Technology like Smart pens and voice recorders, or apps like OneNote, Google Keep, Ever Note, SoundNotes and SuperNotes are great for capturing and sharing notes.

Note Making 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.

Annotation Method

This note-making method is effective for creating a visual structure of the text by highlighting or annotating the main points.
Annotations are attached to the text allowing you to refer directly to the key points. However relying solely on annotations can bypass the process of engaging with the material in your own words.
To enhance understanding include notes on your own thoughts within the annotations.
Voice Notes

This type of note-making is excellent for expressing your own thoughts on a text and summarising your reading.
It helps you develop your understanding by using your own words and ideas rather than passively copying the text. However this method does not provide a written record, unless you transcribe your reflections. Remember these transcriptions may not show the structure connections or relationships between ideas.
The Cornell Method

The Cornell Method can be used for note-making during classes or for recording information from research for assignments.
It is important to note information relevant to your assignment or revision topic and to approach the information with an inquiring mind. There is no benefit in passively repeating descriptive information or narratives. Instead, keep track of your source details, key arguments, and your own thoughts and observations.
This approach will help you bring critical thought to your research and develop your analysis and evaluation skills.
This linear style of note-making divides your notes into columns.
The format includes sections for your main notes, a recall area, and a summary section.
This method provides a clear separation between your notes and others' words.
Mind Mapping

Mind mapping is an excellent method for generating early ideas on a topic and developing them into notes. Begin by brainstorming all of your knowledge about the subject before reading, and then modify and expand on these thoughts as you read.
Mind maps are primarily used in the pre-note making phase.
You "brain dump" your ideas on a question or topic to the page and apply notes from your reading to develop these ideas further.
Grid Notes

Grid notes or table notes involve making notes in columns under specific headings.
This method is great for comparing different strands, authors' ideas or viewpoints on a topic.
However, a disadvantage, is the inability to create relationships between the pieces of information.