Taking good notes isn’t just about scribbling down everything your teacher says—it’s about capturing the most important information in a way that helps you learn faster and remember more. Whether you’re in high school or university, the right note-taking technique can make studying easier and more effective. Here’s how to take notes like a pro!
1. Choose the Best Note-Taking Method
Different subjects require different approaches. Try these techniques to find what works best for you:
The Cornell Method (Best for Summarizing Concepts)
Divide your page into three sections:
- Notes section: Write main points during class.
- Cue column: Add keywords or questions on the side.
- Summary section: After class, write a quick recap in your own words.
Best for: History, Business Studies, Life Sciences
The Mind Map Method (Best for Complex Topics)
Draw a central idea in the middle of your page and branch out key points, subtopics, and details.
Best for: Science, Geography, English Literature
The Outline Method (Best for Organizing Information Logically)
Use bullet points and indentation to structure your notes like this:
- Main topic
- Subtopic 1
- Important detail
- Another detail
- Subtopic 1
Best for: Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Accounting
2. Make Your Notes More Effective
- Use Headings & Subheadings: Helps with organization and makes notes easier to scan.
- Highlight Key Points: Use bold, underlining or colours to emphasise important concepts.
- Write in Your Own Words: This forces you to understand instead of just copying.
- Leave Space: Extra space lets you add more details later.
3. Digital vs. Paper Notes: Which One is Better?
- Handwritten Notes:
- Improves memory retention
- Less distraction (no notifications!)
- Great for diagrams & mind maps
- Digital Notes:
- Faster typing = more content
- Easy to organize and search
- Syncs across devices (Google Docs, OneNote, Notion)
Tip: Combine both! Handwrite notes in class, then type them later for better review.
4. Reviewing Notes for Maximum Retention
Taking notes isn’t enough—you need to review them properly:
- Review Daily: Spend 5-10 minutes going over notes at the end of the day.
- Summarize Each Week: Create a one-page summary of what you learned.
- Use Active Recall: Cover sections and try to recall the information without looking.
Final Thoughts
Good notes save you time, improve your understanding and make studying easier. Try different methods, stay organised and turn your notes into a powerful learning tool!