What is note taking

Notes taken on class lectures or discussions may serve as study aids, while notes taken during an interview may provide material for an essay , article , or book. Owens in their book, "How to Study in College. Note-taking involves certain cognitive behavior; writing notes engages your brain in specific and beneficial ways that help you grasp and retain information. Note-taking can result in broader learning than simply mastering course content because it helps you to process information and make connections between ideas, allowing you to apply your new knowledge to novel contexts, according to Michael C.

Taking notes forces you to actively engage your brain as you identify what's important in terms of what the speaker is saying and begin to organize that information into a comprehensible format to decipher later. That process, which is far more than simply scribbling what you hear, involves some heavy brainwork.

Note-taking aids in reflection, mentally reviewing what you write. To that end, there are certain methods of note-taking that are among the most popular:. There are, of course, other variations on the previously described note-taking methods, such as the two-column method, says Kathleen T.

McWhorter, in her book, "Successful College Writing," who explains that to use this method:. Making a list can also be effective, say John N. Gardner and Betsy O. And once you read these words, don't forget to jot them down in your preferred method of note-taking so that you won't forget them. Brandner, Raphaela.

East Carolina University. Friedman, Michael C. Gardner, John N. Step by Step to College and Career Success. McWhorter, Kathleen T. Successful College Writing. Write legibly. Reduce As soon after as possible, summarize these facts and ideas concisely in the Cue Column. Summarizing clarifies meanings and relationships, reinforces continuity, and strengthens memory.

Recite Cover the Note Taking Area, using only your jottings in the Cue Column, say over the facts and ideas of the lecture as fully as you can, not mechanically, but in your own words.

Then, verify what you have said. Help with accessing the online library, referencing and using libraries near you:. Skip to content. Scan to view online. Help Centre. Note-taking techniques Note-taking techniques , current page Taking notes from speech Mind maps Line diagrams and system maps Index cards Tables Using abbreviations Highlighting and annotating Recording your notes Taking notes for languages students Organising your notes Taking notes is an important part of an active study strategy.

Taking notes can help you to: improve your understanding by making you convert difficult ideas into your own words prepare for writing fuller, better connected arguments in your essays be more focused and time-efficient in your exam revision period assess your own progress as you study. Last updated 5 months ago.