Note Taking

Note taking

This presentation will take you through some tips and tricks for taking notes during lectures, and using those notes effectively for revision and assignments.

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Why should you take notes?

At the university level, your studies aren't just about memorizing information. While you will inevitably commit a lot of new things to memory, it's important to develop strategies for storing and organizing new information you encounter in lectures, reading, and elsewhere in your studies. This presentation will focus on note-taking in lectures.

Does it work?

Using lecture materials

Your lecturer may provide lecture slides, handouts, or outlines ahead of a lecture. Explore on the right for more information about how to use these effectively in your note-taking.

Targeted note taking

You can't write down absolutely everything. Part of your job is to select important points to highlight in your note taking.

Click on "+Info" below each point to find out more.

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Be Selective

Don't hang on every word

Key Concepts

Stay focused

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+ Revise

Go over your notes as soon as you can after a lecture.

Using your notes

+ Proof-read

Proof-read your notes for spelling errors, and annotate them to differentiate main from minor points.

While the act of taking notes is useful in itself, the other major benefit of note taking is that you have key information stored for using it later. Read the tips on the right for key ways to use your notes.

+ Expand

You may remember lecture content that you didn't note down but which was interesting and helpful. Add details to your notes.

+ Prepare

Going over your notes will also prepare you for any related small group teaching, helping to identify points that you want to clarify in the seminar.

Ready for a short quiz?

This short quiz will check your understanding of key concepts related to note taking. Only you can see your answers and feedback while viewing the presentation.

SKIP

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Question 1/3

What's the main purpose of note taking?

To store and organise new information.

To distract your body so you can listen effectively during lecture.

To record as much information from your lectures as possible.

That's right!

Taking notes helps you to store and organise new information. We don't expect you to memorise information by heart, though the act of taking notes has the added benefit of helping you to remember information.

Next

Oops...

The correct answer was "To store and organise new information."

You wouldn't want to try and write down everything a lecturer says; you should be selective about what you note down. Some people benefit from taking notes, or even doodling, because it keeps them focused. However, this isn't the main function of note taking.

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Question 2/3

What's an effective way to incorporate lecture materials into your note taking?

You can scan them ahead of the lecture, and even print or download them for use in note taking.

You can use them instead of going to class, just look at the slides and jot down your thoughts

You shouldn't look at the slides before the lecture, it will ruin it.

That's right!

Materials your lecturer provides ahead of time can be used to structure your notes. It can often be really effective to print or download the slides ahead of time, and take notes directly on them. Even if you prefer to take your notes separately, looking at the materials ahead of time is a good idea.

Next

Oops...

The correct answer was "You can scan them ahead of the lecture, and even print or download them for use in note taking."

Lecture materials are often made available before class, but this is no substitute for attending class, even if you independently make your own notes. Looking at slides ahead of time is a good idea regardless, as it will give you an idea of what's to come, and help to highlight points of confusion and interest.

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Question 3/3

What should you do with your notes after class?

Send them to your lecturer and/or classmates for feedback.

File them away somewhere where you can find them later. Look at them before any exams.

Look over them as soon as you can, do some light proofreading and add detail.

That's right!

You should take a look at your notes shortly after class, to help new information consolidate. It's also a good idea to do some light proofreading, and you can add relevant detail and additional questions while you're at it.

Finish

Oops...

The correct answer was "Look over them as soon as you can, do some light proofreading and add detail."

Don't wait too long to look at your notes, and remember they aren't only for exams - they can play a key role in your other assessments as well. Your notes are mainly for your use - this isn't the kind of thing your lecturers would normally give regular feedback on, but if you have specific questions you can always attend their consultation hours. You can share notes with your classmates if you wish, but this isn't necessary.

Finish

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Note taking

Now you're ready to head into lectures and take effective notes! Remember you can revisit this presentation at any time in Canvas.

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