How to take notes EFFECTIVELY

 If your notes are wrongly structured, incomplete or not good enough for your test revision, then you need to re-check your basics and correct your note taking techniques.

Before starting to take notes, you need to ask yourself the following questions:

• Why I need to take notes?
• What I need to include in my notes?
• How to take notes in a lecture?
• How can I know if my notes are effective?

Why I need to take notes?

• We take notes because we want to remember everything the speaker said during the lecture.
• Notes are helpful in reviewing and studying later.
• With the notes you had taken, you gain a clear understanding of and develop new idea on the topic
• Note taking can make the difference between getting a good or a low mark in the exam.

What I need to include in my notes?

• Information that is related to the topic being discussed. For example, if the subject revolves around the environmental movement, then your notes should stick to the topic. Do not jump into another one.
• Write only valid information. Make sure you include only accurate information because you are going to use it later for revision.
• Do not hesitate to add you inquiries on the subject. When answered, these questions can help you build a clear image of the topic.
• Besides your inquiries, you can write down your ideas or thoughts that crossed your mind during the class. 

How to take notes in a lecture?

• Always preview your text book; when you preview your course before entering the class you will be familiar with the new terms your teacher is going to say and hence taking notes is less complicated.
• Do not write everything your teacher says; some information are not important so skip it.
• When you are not sure if you have to write down the information or not, write it down.
• Learn to use abbreviation to gain more time and make sure you remember what abbreviation stands for.
• Leave out unimportant words; for example articles and prepositions.
• Practice fast writing; most of the teachers talk very fast and when you are taking notes he is getting further away from you, that's why you have to hasten your writing to not fall further behind him.

 How can I know if my notes are effective?

• Each student needs to make sure that his/her notes are correct. At the end of the session, take your notes and show it to your teacher (and trust me, he will be very pleased to know that one of his students is focusing and following him).
• After examining your notes with your teacher, write them back as soon as you can and re-read them frequently to ensure you have remembered them correctly.