Lamb Learner Success Centre - Learning Skills

Taking notes effectively during lectures or classes is an important skill. It allows you to identify key information from your studies, and it forms a foundation for studying for your tests.

In this section, we will explore note-taking benefits, tips and strategies. 

There are so many benefits to note-taking! Consider some of the benefits below. Which ones stand out to you?

• Prevents distraction
• Engages the mind (prevents you from falling asleep!)
• Helps clarify concepts and understand the content. This is very important for studying and memorization
• Helps to collect and organize information before studying
• It even builds confidence in the material and reduces overall stress!

Now that we've explored the benefits, should you handwrite notes or type them? It depends on your preference and both approaches can be effective. Explore the chart below to help you decide. 

There are usually three main stages when note-taking in your classes:

1. Before class (prep) - minimum 5-10 minutes. Briefly review previous notes and get a sense of what's coming up. What topics will be covered in the next class? This gives you a focus even before you enter the classroom. 
2. During class - participate and take notes. Try to use point form and abbreviations to record the main ideas. If you missed something, that's okay! Identify what you missed or didn't understand (ex: by adding a question mark or leaving extra space in your notes). 
3. After class (encourages retention) - minimum 15-20 minutes. This is a key step that helps with comprehension and setting the stage before studying. Clean up your notes, identify headers, re-organize sections if needed, and (importantly) identify gaps in your understanding or knowledge. If you missed something in class, try and use other resources - like your textbook - to read up about the topic and fill in your notes. You can also begin to create study notes for yourself during this stage as well (ex: mind maps, charts, tables).

There are various ways to take notes. Consider the options below and pick the one that best suits your preference and needs. 

Traditional Format

Traditional formats - or the outlining method - is one of the main note-taking systems used. It tends to be simple and straightforward: write your title, then add related information in point form underneath. 

Cornell Method

A popular technique in schools, the Cornell system combines traditional note-taking during class with adding key words, phrases or questions when reviewing notes after class. It also involves summarizing each page of your notes in full sentences.

Concept Mapping

Concept mapping is specific to the material you are learning. If you are covering processes, you might try taking notes using a flow chart (or chains). If you are covering several terms that appear quite similar, you might try a comparison-contrast chart to help distinguish the concepts. 

Mind Mapping

Mind mapping is quite similar to chains or flow charts. You start with a main topic in the middle of your page and then branch out to groups of related ideas. 

Do you like the Cornell method or mind-mapping approach? Download our templates below to help you get started.

Note-taking is a multi-step process (pre-class, during, and after) that helps you identify and understand content prior to studying for tests and quizzes. If you're interested in a summary of the information in this section, please download the handout below.

This handout contains tips on writing more quickly using short-hand, a checklist on listening and note-taking, and templates for various note-taking styles.  

You can also check out a short note-taking video below on the strategies covered in this section: