The Art of Note-Taking - Making the most of what’s at hand

It’s challenging enough being an engaged member of the classroom, without the added difficulty of making notes. Yet classroom notes are crucial in understanding concepts, clarifying doubts and serve as useful aids in revisions and later studies. Read on, and we’ll discuss a few techniques to up your note taking the game.

1. The Split Page Method

Divide your page vertically. Keep the left side for the main points and the right for secondary concepts. This will help you organize your thoughts with regard to key concepts and will help you optimize your study time effectively.

2. The Cornell Method

One of the most widely used note-taking techniques, the Cornell method involved splitting your page into 3 sections – two sections divided as in the split page method, and an additional box underneath. The right side is intended for all the important points discussed in the class, while the left margin is for additional points of understanding. The section at the bottom is to be titled ‘Summary’ and this will where you’ll make a comprehensive note on all that was discussed in that class.

3. Know your course

One part of your preparation is to know your course work, and know it well. Ask your teachers/professors or use e-learning system to understand the way in which the course is structured, and do some research on how much of the material can be sourced from your textbook and how much can be learned online.

4. Be attentive

Great notes start with an alert mind. Paying attention to what your professor is saying and the part of the lesson that is being discussed is half the battle won.

5. Visual aids, Symbols, and Abbreviations

Developing your own unique understanding of certain words, creating visual cues and using abbreviations wherever possible, will greatly improve your speed while following a lecture. Plus they give your notes a highly individualistic flair!

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