Taking Better Notes
One of the most complex parts of academic study for me has always been taking notes. I store things in my brain, but I wasn’t always the best at writing down what I was processing. However, taking practical notes while reading academic texts is essential and has come to save me the hassle of trying to remember everything all at once. And - bonus! - it also helps me reference ideas when it comes time to write! How can you take better notes? Let’s dive in below!
Preview the Text:
Before reading, skim the text to get an overview of the main ideas, headings, subheadings, and visual aids such as charts or graphs. This will provide context and help you identify the most essential information.
Annotate the Text:
Mark critical passages, important terms, and significant arguments by highlighting, underlining, or making marginal notes (although please don’t do this if you’ve borrowed a book from the library!). This active engagement with the text can improve comprehension and retention.
Summarise Each Section:
After reading each section or paragraph, pause to summarise the main points in your own words. Write down concise summaries or bullet points to capture the essential information. I prefer using bullet points in order to keep everything bite-sized.
Use Visual Aids:
Consider using visual aids such as diagrams, mind maps, or concept maps to represent relationships between ideas and organise complex information. Visual aids can enhance comprehension and make connections more explicit. This is especially important if you’re a visual learner!
Ask Questions:
Engage critically with the text by asking questions about the content, arguments, evidence, or implications. Write down your questions and seek answers through further reading or discussion. Don’t just stick to course material. There’s a wealth of information out there waiting to be discovered!
Create a Systematic Format:
Develop a consistent format for your notes, such as a bullet point outline. Having a structured format can make it easier to review and study your notes later. Like I said, I like to keep things bite-sized for easier review.
Paraphrase What You’ve Read:
Practice paraphrasing and synthesising information rather than copying verbatim from the text. Putting ideas into your own words helps deepen understanding and promotes active learning.
Record Citations and References:
Record the bibliographic information for each source you consult, including the author, title, publication date, and page numbers. This will facilitate proper citation and referencing later on. See my post on referencing if you want a tidy system in place to keep track of your citations later.
Review and Revise:
Regularly review and revise your notes to reinforce learning and clarify any areas of confusion. Consolidate your notes by condensing or reorganising information as needed.
Use Technology Wisely:
Explore digital note-taking tools like Evernote, OneNote, or Notion. These tools offer features like searchable text, cloud storage, and cross-platform functionality. Experiment with different tools to find one that suits your preferences and workflow.
Stay Organised:
Organise your notes by topic, course, or project to facilitate retrieval and future reference. Use folders, tags, or categories to categorise and label your notes systematically. I used to keep a binder for each course I was in and separated the recommended reading material by a colour-coded system.
Engage with Others:
Discuss the readings and compare notes with classmates, colleagues, or mentors. Sharing perspectives and insights can deepen understanding and expose you to different interpretations.
As always, these aren’t hard and fast rules about note-taking. Experiment with different approaches to find the best methods for you and adapt them to suit your learning style and preferences.