Note taking is an important technique for university subjects. These notes need to be systematic and organised, so that they record important details, summarise the main message(s), and assist later with recall and understanding. Being prepared for lectures and tutorials will help you to develop more effective note taking strategies.
Before the Lecture and Tutorials
Provide yourself with a mental framework before the lecture by:
- Knowing the title and topic of the lecture.
- Skim reading the required chapter or notes – try to decide on key words and concepts that the presenter may talk about.
- Reflecting on what you already know about the topic.
- Noting any questions you want answered in the lecture or tutorial.
Identify the lecturer’s purpose by:
- Reading the subject outline.
- Talking to the lecturer (or tutor/s).
- Looking at previous lecture notes, where the purpose of the next lecture may have been given.
- Listening carefully for introductory signals e.g. “Today I will outline…”
Come to lectures prepared. This can be done by:
- Preparing folders – one for each subject OR one folder clearly divided into subjects.
- Clearly labelling each subject.
- Arranging subject outlines, assessment notes and reading lists in front of each subject file.
- Knowing the purpose of the lecture.
- Putting the title, date and lecturer’s name at the top of each page.
- Arranging lectures chronologically.
- Dating handouts and placing them with appropriate lecture notes.
After the Lecture and Tutorials
Review, revise and read further on the topic
The more you have contact with important concepts, the more likely you are to understand and remember them. The following will help to build your knowledge and understanding over time:
• Reading your text and making notes.
• Re-reading your lecture notes and highlighting important points.
• Getting involved in your tutorials.
• Talking to your colleagues, friends, and even family about the issues.
• Writing assignments.
Note making (making sense of your notes) will also help you to further develop understanding.
Ultimately, Good Notes are:
- Personal – with your own structure, abbreviations and colours.
- Structured and organised with main and sub-headings.
- Brief and to the point.
- Legible to you.
- Dynamic, colourful, expressive and have diagrams, arrows, asterisks, underlining, boxes, circles… Whatever works for you!
- Generously spaced out with room for expansion and comment/reflection (try a margin).
- Indicative of active listening and processing, not simply word for word.
Cottrell, S. (2003). The study skills handbook (2nd ed.). London: Palgrave.
Wallace, A., Schirato, T. & Bright, P. (1999) Beginning university: Thinking, researching and writing for success. St Leonards, NSW: Allen & Unwin.
External Links
Note taking: an introduction (UNSW Learning Centre)
www.lc.unsw.edu.au/onlib/note1.html
Note taking (James Cook University) www.jcu.edu.au/studying/services/studyskills/notetaking