Q&A for How to Take Better Notes

You want to break everything down into replicable or repeatable steps. So if your notes are too specific or too vague, you won't be able to follow everything you've written down!

You shouldn't always be looking for the easy way out! Solid notes should be thorough, but easy to scan. You don't need to write down every single thing you hear, but you do need to be able to comprehend what's driving the numbers to change in whatever concept you're studying. It's all about finding that balance.

Focus on what the teacher or lecturer is really saying rather than trying to copy down every word they say. Stick to the main points, then ask any follow-up questions that come to mind.

As you read each chapter, use the subject headings to organize your notes. Additionally, review the key terms and let them direct your focus as you take notes.

Yes, the Cornell Method is a great note taking strategy. To learn more about it, read the wikiHow titled "Take Cornell Notes."

Anytime your teacher is teaching the class about something. Even more so if he/she says that something is very important or is going to be on a test.

It really does not matter unless the teacher wants particular words to be used on the test/exam. It's most important to take notes you will understand.

Yes. Studying beforehand is good, as you'll be more prepared when you do have an exam.

The best thing to do is bullet point your notes. You can jot them down faster and easier.

Learn shorthand or develop your own system of shorthand. Also, get into the habit of not copying down what she says so much as your understanding of what has been said. That has two benefits -- one is that you can write fewe but more meaningful notes and the other is that by turning what you understand about what has been said into note form, you're learning better and will be more likely to both remember and understand the material in greater depth.

Ask her why first. Tell her that you find taking notes helps you to retain the information, whereas just listening means you'll forget. If she is still unhelpful about it, you can always do your notes after class or if you get a notes package, use that or your textbook to make your own notes. Some people are wary of those who take notes, as they think you're not paying them adequate attention.

Sticky notes are additional information after taking initial notes about the topic. For example, if you are taking a quiz about the topic, sticky notes remind you of this without messing with your initial notes.

You could do that, but you should also get your eyesight tested and your vision corrected.

Use shorthand notes, make the notes visually appealing and use highlighting or color coding to make the important things really stand out.

You'll know if you read back over your notes and feel like you understand/remember the material. If you are being tested, and you study from your notes, your test scores will also be a good indication. You could also try comparing your notes with others.

A binder is helpful if you're the type to need them in one sitting without constantly scanning your bag to return and take another notebook. It is also being a minimalist because it encourages notes that are short yet sufficient to understand every lesson without making it look like shopping list. Binders can cover many subjects without weighing too much. Notebooks are advantageous for math and any other lessons that needs space, both for notes and additional information. You won't have to worry about space. Just worry about its weight, organization with other subject notebooks and getting and returning in your bag. Whatever works.

You can take notes in class and, when you get home, rewrite them so they are more appealing and understandable.

Grammar is all about rules. Write each rule and then follow up with an example or two. Underline or highlight the particular use of that rule in your example.

So you have something to study from when there's a test. Studies show that people who don't take notes do poorly on tests.

Yes there are many books available for learning shorthand. Check your local bookstore, library or online to find what you need.

Don't copy everything the speaker or text says in verbatim.Summarize what they're saying. If you hear it more than once in a speech or read it more than once in a textbook, that's when you should write it down.

If you write information down, it helps you retain it better. A notebook or note cards are also easier to carry around than a textbook.

If you can take the textbook home, use sticky notes to mark important passages that your teacher mentions. You can also use a highlighter, if possible, to mark certain phrases or portions of text to remember. If you are not able to take the textbook home, then take notes as you usually would in class.

There is no right or wrong about note making. It is all about your own convenience. But writing all subjects in one copy will make it difficult to organize later.

You need to make a reference of your shorthand symbols and stick to them. You could make a list or even a table or chart.

Ask for notes from the topper of the class. Befriend them and get their contact information. This way you can consult them and get help even when you are not in school. Let the teacher know that you are serious about your studies and ask them what you can do to score well. Ask other students to see their previous tests and papers so you can see what the teacher looks for and how they go about scoring.

Try using a notebook since it has lots of pages and places to write. You could bring a laptop if you'd prefer to type your notes, or post-it notes if you just want to jot down key points.

You can go to an eye doctor and get your eyes checked and get glasses so that you can see better.

Make sure to check a board or slideshow if there is one. Anything written on there is probably the most important. Also, pay attention to repetitive phrases and key words the teacher uses, as these might appear on a quiz or test. If you still feel like you're missing something, check the textbook, ask a friend to look over their notes, or ask the teacher for permission to record the lectures so you can listen to them again when you're studying.

Ask to borrow someone else's notes, and then work on your shorthand.