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Study Skills : Taking Notes in Class
Taking Notes in Class: sub-module 2 of 2 of reading and note-taking
This module will discuss a few different note-taking methods and it will give you some quick tips to help you get the most out of your classroom experience. College students are expected to be able to capture the important information discussed in lectures. Recording this information will be easier with note-taking techniques.
Tips
- Stay organized.Organizing your notes will make them easier to use when you need to study.
- Take your own notes.Don’t rely on slides and handouts from your instructor. Take your own notes for more complete information.
- Make a buddy.If you miss a class, ask a classmate if you can borrow their notes.
Note Taking Methods
Why you Should Take Notes to Improve Learning
Taking notes isn’t just about writing things down. It’s about making your brain actively process information. When you take notes, you’re listening, thinking, and summarizing all at once, which strengthens your understanding and memory. Good notes give you a clear record to review later, help you organize complex ideas, and make studying for tests much more efficient. By turning passive listening into active engagement, note-taking becomes one of the most powerful tools for improving your learning.
Watch this video to find out how taking notes can help you learn.
How to Take Better Notes
Watch this video and read the tips below to learn how to improve your notes-taking.
Note taking 101 Video Transcript - RTF
- Date and Title Your Note Always start your notes with the date and a clear title at the top of the page. This makes it much easier to stay organized and quickly find the material you need later.
- Write by Hand for Better Memory Whenever possible, take notes by hand instead of typing. Research shows that handwriting engages your brain more deeply, helping you understand and remember information better.
- Use Your Own Words Avoid copying everything word-for-word. Rewriting ideas in your own words forces you to process the material, making it easier to understand and recall later.
- Keep It Short and Snappy Use bullet points, abbreviations, and symbols to keep up with fast-paced information. Short, clear notes are easier to review and prevent you from falling behind.
- Try a Structured Method Consider using a note-taking technique like the Cornell Method- opens in a new window. To keep your notes organized and easy to review, divide your page into two sections: one for key terms or main concepts, and one for details and explanations.
- Summarize and Review At the end of your notes, write a brief summary in your own words. This helps lock in the main points and gives you a quick refresher later. Be sure to review your notes regularly to keep the information fresh.
How to take notes using the Cornell Method
Taking good notes can help you when it’s time to review your material. Using note-taking techniques can help you do this.
The Cornell Method is a note-taking technique that can help you take organized and useful notes. Watch the video or follow the steps below to learn how to take notes using the Cornell Method.
Cornell Method Steps
- Set up Your Page Divide your page into three sections: a Cue column on the left, a Notes column column on the right, and a Summary area at the bottom of the page. You can also use the Word Template or the PDF template Opens in a new window .
- Start with the Notes Column Take notes as you normally would in the Notes column.
- Fill in your Cue Column Fill in your Cue column based on the notes you took in step 2. Use questions, key terms, and headings to help you quickly understand what the notes you took relate to.
- Fill in your Summary Section Summarize the notes from this page into one or two key learning outcomes.
How to Take Notes Using PowerPoint
Taking notes on a PowerPoint presentation helps you go beyond simply watching slides go by. Instead of passively viewing, you actively process the material, which improves understanding and memory. Whether you’re in class or reviewing a recorded lecture, adding your own notes to the slides ensures you capture key points, clarify complex ideas, and make the content more useful for studying later.
Watch this video to learn how to take notes using PowerPoint Slides. You can use these notes to fill in your Cornell Method template later on.
5 Steps to Take Effective Notes on PowerPoint Presentations
- Download or Access the Slides in Advance If possible, get a copy of the PowerPoint before the lecture. This gives you a head start and allows you to print them out or open them digitally to add notes.
- Use the Notes Section or Margins Write in the “Notes” section of the slides (if using digital) or in the margins (if printed) to capture explanations, examples, and points your instructor adds verbally but doesn’t include on the slide.
- Focus on Main Ideas, Not Every Word Slides are often condensed, so focus on key concepts rather than trying to write down everything you see. Pay special attention to what your instructor emphasizes.
- Add Your Own Words and Examples Paraphrase the information in your own words and add examples that make sense to you. This helps deepen your understanding and makes the material more memorable.
- Review and Expand After Class Soon after the presentation, go back through your notes and fill in any missing details while the information is still fresh in your mind. This reinforces learning and strengthens retention.
How to Use Concept Mapping
Concept mapping is a visual way to organize and connect ideas, helping you see the bigger picture of what you’re learning. By creating a diagram that links related concepts, you can better understand relationships, identify gaps in your knowledge, and remember information more effectively. This method is especially helpful for complex subjects or when you need to review for a test, as it turns information into an easy-to-follow visual structure.
Watch this video to learn how to break down complex topics using concept mapping.
5 Steps to Create a Concept Map
- Identify the Main Topic Start by writing your main topic or question in the center of the page. This will be the focus of your concept map.
- Brainstorm Related Ideas Think of key points, subtopics, or related concepts connected to your main topic. Jot them down around your central idea without worrying about order yet.
- Organize from General to Specific Arrange your ideas so that broader concepts are closer to the center and more specific details branch outward. This creates a clear hierarchy of information.
- Draw Connections Use lines or arrows to connect related ideas. Label the lines if needed to explain the relationship between concepts (e.g., “leads to,” “is part of,” “depends on”).
- Review and Refine Look over your map to ensure it’s logical and complete. Add any missing connections, remove duplicates, and make adjustments for clarity.