Develop your own system of signs and abbreviations that can help you more quickly take notes and review them. For example, “SM” for “scientific method,” or “GH” for “gender history. ”

For example, for obstetrics, you might note words such as midwife, placental abruption, childbed fever, and preeclampsia.

Make sure that you write clearly and your notes are legible! If you can’t read your own notes, then you won’t be able to study with them. [6] X Expert Source Ashley Pritchard, MAAcademic & School Counselor Expert Interview. 12 December 2019. If needed, incorporate note-taking strategies such as the Cornell Method or an outline to structure your typewritten notes. [7] X Research source Consider getting a note-taking program or app, like Evernote or Microsoft OneNote, to help you type more effective notes.

Note-taking section: Use this largest section to write down the main ideas of the lecture or text. Leave room for later notes or questions. Be sure to note any guiding material related to this section. Cue section: After you’ve finished taking notes, use the smaller cue section to generate your own questions that clarify meanings, reveal connections, and show continuities. Summary section: After you’ve finished taking notes, use this small space at the bottom of your page to summarize what you’ve written on the page in 2-4 sentences.

Have your notes out and ready before the class starts so you don’t have to rush to get your papers out.

Staying organized helps improve the quality of your notes overall.

Note the date at the top of handouts along with any relevant information for your notes. Refer to the handout in your notes so you know to consult any guiding material during your review.

First, second, third Importantly or significantly A major development On the other hand For example In contrast Further As a result Remember that

Rewrite your note as soon as you can. This may help you quickly identify areas that need clarification and may also help you better retain the information.

Title and summary or abstract of the text Introduction or first paragraph Topic headings to figure out overall organization Graphic material Conclusion or final paragraph

Am I trying to get a general understanding of a subject or concept? Do I need to know specific information or details from the text?

In addition to underlining the key ideas in your notes, you can also literally underline or highlight them with your pen or pencil in the text. Make sure to write down the exact page in your notes so you can refer back to the original text. For example, “fall of the Weimar Republic,” is much more manageable than, “The overall conditions that led to the Nazi takeover of power in January of 1933 were a product of interwar intrigue that ultimately damned the young republic. ”

Set a regular schedule to review your notes. The more often you review your notes, the more likely you are to remember them later.