Apps and Tools for Note-Taking Excellence This summarization is critical to actively engaging with the material rather than just passively taking notes. Below your notes and key terms, leave space to summarize the class and document any questions you may have.

To begin, the note-taker divides a page into three sections, leaving the largest portion for the actual in-class note-taking.Īfter class, use a column beside your notes to extract key terms, define them and note important ideas and arguments. This is an advantageous way to create an organized system to highlight critical information. The Cornell Method is the most regularly cited note-taking system for college students. This method allows you to have a running log of defined terms and ideas, making this a great study tool. While reading, define terms and answer questions. On the left side, list key terms and questions (this will be especially helpful when studying from a textbook with highlighted key terms). To begin, divide a page in half vertically. Notes aren’t always taken from a lecture and when you need to record and analyze information from a text, the two-column system may help. There’s no one correct way to take notes take the time to find the system that works best for your learning style. the name of a book being discussed, the chapter of a math textbook, historical events being discussed, etc.).Īny note-taking system will need to include space for: your notes, summary/analysis and exam question predictions. It’s important to date each note-taking strategy and provide context for the content involved (e.g. While there are many methods for note-taking, the most effective share some common principles. Taking Notes EffectivelyĪlthough it may seem like lots of work on the front end to learn the various methods of note-taking and review the range of apps, students who take the time to do this early in their college careers stand to benefit greatly. Use this guide to learn how to take your study skills to the next level. Learners looking for ways to improve their reading comprehension can also take advantage of tips and tricks for getting the most out of the text at hand.

Tips for taking good notes in college