How to take notes

Taking notes is an art. A good note-taking structure is as important as an efficient study or writing method.

Here are a few tips to help you!

• First rule: Write down enough information to make later reading easy and comprehensible, but don't overdo it as it will only cost you time when you're studying. Focus on speed and clarity.
  
  
• Pay attention to signs the teacher uses to emphasize important points such as gestures, a slower rate of speech, repetition or key phrases like "you'll note that" or "it's important to know...".
  
  
• When the teacher introduces a new theme, make a note of the title; your studying will be all the more structured for it. Pay attention to the sentences the teacher uses to introduce and conclude the theme, as they often summarize the topic quite nicely.
  
  
• Re-read your notes to highlight important points, add information and make summaries.
  
  
• Write down examples: they'll help you to remember and understand ideas. Noting down things you already know is useless so don't do it.
  
  
• To speed up your note-taking, use shorter sentences and omit unnecessary words
  (articles, the verbs "to have" and "to be").
  
  
• Adopt a glossary of abbreviations that you can use in all your classes.
  For instance, i.e. can replace that is, gov't shortens government, ex becomes example... Symbols like +, = , -, <,> are also useful for taking notes more quickly.
  
  
• Structure your notes by putting the information in order: it will be easier for you to get your bearings when studying. Use a numbering style as demonstrated in the following example:
  
  1- Canadian geography
  
  1.1 Provinces
      a) Québec
      b) Ontario
      c) New Brunswick
      d) etc.
  

In short, if you develop a good method you'll be able to take efficient notes. You can come up with your own tricks to make studying and understanding the material easier. Be practical and have your own colour code, create tables or draw pictures. Whatever works for you!