How to Take Notes

Why take notes?

• Makes learning active instead of passive
• Preserves essential knowledge and themes for later
• Helps to solidify memory and recall
• Helps in understanding through summary and synthesis

General Note-taking Guidelines

1. Date and title notes. It’s a minor thing that can make a huge difference: labeling notes
will prove helpful when it comes time to study for a test. You should always put the
date, class name and topic(s) discussed at the top of your notes.
2. Record what is meaningful: main points, definitions, important facts…
3. Don’t write down every word; sort and synthesize as you go.
4. Say it another way. One of the most important parts of note taking is not the note
taking itself—it’s the reflection process. Write down complex points in your own words
so they are easier to understand later.
5. Annotate your own notes. Highlight, underline, box the important points when you
finish)