Why take notes?

Notes help you to actively engage with the topic by processing the information you are hearing or reading in order to take it down.

This means you stay more focussed, retain and remember information better, and make connections between the ideas.

Once you have your notes, they enable you to save time when reviewing the course content, paraphrase more easily, avoiding plagiarism, and therefore you can use them in your assignments.

Prepare to take notes

Before class, read materials on VLE

  • Gives you the structure
  • Time for research e.g. check unknown vocabulary
  • Can download slides to avoid making unnecessary

Note Taking Tips

  • Develop your own style.
  • Don’t worry about spelling and handwriting.
  • Keep a note of examples and sources for further reading.
  • Write ideas in your own words.
  • File your notes carefully, digitally or physically.

Note taking software

Check out these programmes to see which you like using best.

  • Microsoft OneNote
  • Evernote
  • Google Keep

Note taking styles

Linear notes: identifies key points with techniques such as lists, bullet points, numbers, highlighting, and underlining. For example:

A hand-written page of notes in a linear style. Individual sentences are marked with bullets under headings. The content of the notes is not visible or relevant, rather the image is used to indicate the shape of the words on the page.

(Burns and Sinfield, 2016)

Pattern notes: more flexible, select and connect information as you wish. Includes memory triggers such as drawings and cartoons. For example:

A hand-written page of notes in a pattern style. Individual sentences are attached to lines coming from boxes in the centre. The content of the notes is not visible or relevant, rather the image is used to indicate the shape of the words on the page.

(Sussex University, 2020)

Abbreviations and symbols

These save time and space and are quick and easy to read. However, use them consistently so that you can always understand your notes when you read them later.

A table of common abbreviations. For example, "1st" for "first", "approx" for "approximately".

References

Burns, T. and Sinfield, S. (2016) Essential study skills: the complete guide to success at university. 4th edn. London, Sage.

EAP Foundation (2020) Using Symbols & Abbreviations (Accessed 12 August 2020).

Sussex University (2020) Note-making Styles (Accessed 12 August 2020).