Q&A for How to Take Notes from a Textbook

Instead of pasting, it's better to keep your flashcards in a small separate box.

It's your choice to type or write, but in my opinion it is better to write your notes as it helps you increase your writing speed as well as your analysis.

Make sure you're studying in a quiet place away from all distractions. Read the material over to yourself 1-3 times. If that doesn't work, try reading it out loud or having someone else read to you. If all else fails, ask another student or your teacher to provide a more in depth explanation.

Pick out key names, facts, places/dates, etc. that you struggle to remember and use them to make flashcards later on. You can also search for repetitive information that requires more memorization than thinking/understanding; that kind of information is perfect for flashcards.

Flashcards allow you to quiz yourself on relevant information. You can gauge your understanding or memory of dates, names, or formulas using a question similar to what you may find on tests or exams. It is also a wonderful way to review vocabulary before an exam, rather than a glossary which may or may not help you remember the definitions correctly.

You can usually figure it out by listening in class. When the teacher emphasizes certain information and write it on the board, it is likely important.

Loose leaf paper organized in a binder works well. It gives you the flexibility to reorganize your notes, and you can divide up the sections by using tabs.

These notes are unique to you and to your own understanding. On a test, it is likely they'll have trouble processing the answer the same as you would. Stealing your notes will probably only hurt their grade.

Use a journal to write down all the things you think about from school, and then when you're finished, lock the journal away. Writing it all down should help you stop thinking about it when it's time to focus on your work.

Yes.

It depends on your routine, but you should set at least a few hours aside per day for studying.

Both subjects are important, but I would dedicate more time to the subject that you struggle with the most so that you can make improvements in your grades.

Try sticking the notes in your textbook to use like bookmarks, so you can skip to the important parts. You could also write important facts on a sticky note, then stick it to the page that corresponds with the fact for easy reviewing.

Depending on how often you're summarizing, you could create "context sheets" for each day/week/month along with "topic sheets" organized chronologically with what's happened. You might find this easier to do on a computer or tablet to import news articles, social media posts, and images.

Download the lecture so that you can digest it over and over again. Also, try to eliminate distractions. If necessary, block websites you tend to use to procrastinate with so you cannot access them while studying.

This really depends on your teacher's opinion about Cornell notes. I have had teachers who would take points off if we didn't use them or make us use Cornell notes for everything, but my teacher for my APUSH class is letting us take notes whichever way works best for us. It is useful to know how to take Cornell notes in case your teacher requires it. A lot of times teachers will provide Cornell note pages if you need paper.

It depends on how you study best. Flashcards help when you need to memorize information that is broken down into really small sections, like the elements of the periodic table and their symbols. Notes are better for broad topics, like history trends or details. You'd probably be best doing both.

You should probably read or at least glance through the chapter once before you take notes. That way you get an idea of what needs to go into your notes.

Drink some coffee or go to bed earlier the day before. You can also take a warm shower before studying/taking notes.

You could use a note taking format that works best for you. You can use one or more of the following, for example: Cornell notes, boxing method, charting method, outline method and star method.

Once you have read each textbook take a break in-between them and write notes on what you read then repeat the process. Once you have read and taken notes on each textbook combine the notes, writing only different information. Try to avoid writing the same information.

Try to get it done as soon as possible. This is easier said than done, but if you force yourself to do it a few times, it may not seem that bad after all. The topic may not be that confusing; you should try it before assuming! If you're having trouble with the material, feel free to ask an adult or teacher to explain it to you. Otherwise, you can use the internet. Don't try to move ahead for a new concept if you don't get the old one, as it's important to understand what you are learning. When you're done with studying for about 45 minutes, reward yourself with a break.

This depends on you. Some people prefer to read through the whole chapter before starting to take their notes, while other people find it hard to concentrate on what they're reading unless they take notes. Either way, do not rush through it, and make sure you understand what you are writing down.

You should definitely take a look at the notes the teacher provides you, as many teachers quiz and test you on it. However, it is also a good idea to take notes yourself. You'll gain a deeper understanding of the information and grasp it better than just reading the notes your teacher provided. So, both sets of notes are vital to have and read through.