LIBRARY AND LEARNING SERVICES STUDY GUIDE | NOTE-TAKING

www.2.eit.ac.nz/library/OnlineGuides/Note-Taking.pdf

Note-Taking and Note-Making

Note-taking and note-making is part of

Why take/make the learning process and a skill all
students need to master to have a useful
notes? and accurate account of lectures and
readings. The key is to capture
knowledge accurately in a way that is
meaningful and pleasing to you.

• enhances listening and concentration skills

• provides a personal record of the
lecture/reading
• helps you understand and remember Benefits of
lecture/reading content
• provides material for assignments and note-taking
revision
• identifies relevant material
• connects prior knowledge with new

• accurate
• brief
• preferably in your own words
Features of • accurately referenced

effective notes • relevant

• organised
• easy to read
• understandable
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www.2.eit.ac.nz/library/OnlineGuides/Note-Taking.pdf

Taking Notes in Class

Before class • Develop a system that is pleasing to you

• Review previous lecture notes and check and make use of colour, diagrams,
the topic for the next lecture. headings, numbers, columns, etc.
• Do any recommended readings. • Develop a system of abbreviations and
legible handwriting.
• Review what you may already know on the
topic. • Leave space whenever you miss a point
and go back later. Lots of white space is
During class useful for either adding information
• Sit where you are comfortable and where during the lecture or when revising and
you are least distracted. doing further research.
• Head notes with the date, topic and tutor’s • Link your notes to any handouts and
name. Number all pages, keep the topic in suggested readings.
mind, and identify the introduction, main
points and conclusion. After class
• Develop good listening skills and listen • Review lecture notes by filling in gaps
actively for all verbal cues (e.g., “There are and summarising in your own words.
two main reasons…) and non-verbal cues Revising your notes will check your
(e.g., facial expressions). understanding and also give you a better
chance of putting the information into
• Do not write down everything you hear.
your long-term memory.
• Have a good filing system.

• relevant material on the whiteboard

Features of • all examples, formulas, definitions,

effective quotations, references

• white space for later additions and to
classroom notes fill in gaps
• any relevant student questions and
the answers
 LIBRARY AND LEARNING SERVICES STUDY GUIDE | NOTE-TAKING
www.2.eit.ac.nz/library/OnlineGuides/Note-Taking.pdf

Note-Taking Layout Methods for Taking Notes in Class

Use a note-taking method that suits you; this may mean incorporating a number of different styles.

Recording a lecture should only be used under

special circumstances and with the knowledge
of all those present. It is not recommended for
the following reasons:
A caution on
• involves passive rather than active learning recording
• no record of board work, non-verbal cues etc.
• privacy laws may be breached.

Princeton Method
This method is a useful way of storing information in chronological order. This method is also useful for
making notes from readings. Three or more columns are drawn across the page, each with its own
heading.

Headings, main points Summary Blank column for use when

The first column is used to The second column is where reviewing
identify the headings, sub- you write a summary of the The third column is useful for
headings, and main points. notes in your own words. when you review your notes
and add extra details,
examples, and ideas that may
occur to you later.
 LIBRARY AND LEARNING SERVICES STUDY GUIDE | NOTE-TAKING
www.2.eit.ac.nz/library/OnlineGuides/Note-Taking.pdf

Writing Sentences
When using this method, there is a need to write quickly and legibly. It is helpful to use abbreviations
(e.g., imp., esp.). It is a time-consuming method, but the upside is that a lot of detail can be included.

Linear Notes
Most of us are familiar with this format and is therefore easy to do and read. The words flow on the
page from left to right, top to bottom. You may use a combination of bullet points and full sentences.
This method makes use of Do not write down everything you hear,
• headings for main ideas rather
• subheadings for detail • summarise the tutor’s main points
• indentation • watch for visual and verbal signpost
• bullet points and numbering • leave space for missed information
• key words
• abbreviations

Cornell Method
This popular and well-structured method requires the page to be divided into two columns. The left-
hand column is usually used after class for summaries, reflection, and any extra information; 5 to 10 cm
seems to be an optimum width. The main right-hand column is used to record notes from the lecture.

5 to 10 cm wide Record lecture notes here, in as much detail as you wish,

and in your own style.
Add extra information missed during
class, write reviews of your notes, make
summaries, and add your ideas,
reflections, questions.
 LIBRARY AND LEARNING SERVICES STUDY GUIDE | NOTE-TAKING
www.2.eit.ac.nz/library/OnlineGuides/Note-Taking.pdf

Mindmaps
This system gives you the freedom to connect ideas and knowledge in a creative way. It is especially
useful for brainstorming, planning, revision, and summaries.
• Limit the number of words on a line.
• Be organised and do not clutter the map with excess information.
• Make use of colour, different fonts, and a variety of shapes.
• Place the main idea in the centre, with keywords interconnected by lines, arrows, and symbols.
• Templates may be hand drawn or examples downloaded off the internet.
• Use your imagination to create unique and personal mind maps that help you to remember information.

Figure 1

Example of a Mind Map

Note. From How to Mind Map: Visualise Your Cluttered Thoughts in 3 Simple Steps, by English Central, n.d., Lifehack
(https://www.google.com/search?q=mind+map&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=
ToGpVMLWMZOLyASzvICoAw&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ&biw=1600&bih=775#imgrc=yxA3ayysu6NqdM).
Copyright 2019 by English Central Inc.
 LIBRARY AND LEARNING SERVICES STUDY GUIDE | NOTE-TAKING
www.2.eit.ac.nz/library/OnlineGuides/Note-Taking.pdf

Making Notes from Readings

1. The same points apply to research notes 3. Remember to

as apply to taking notes in the classroom. • Record relevant references.
Keep an accurate record of your
• Date your notes.
references.
• Keep notes made from different
2. Your notes need to be sources in a separate folder.
• File your notes carefully where they
• Accurate: Do not change the author’s
are readily accessible.
meaning.
• Brief: Copy down the main points
only. Develop a system of
abbreviations and symbols.
• Relevant: Be selective in your reading,
seeking information relevant to the
topic and avoiding lengthy examples
and repetitions.
• In your own words: Paraphrase as
much as possible. You will often use
keywords from the text, but do not
copy down chunks of writing from the
source. If you do copy down the exact
words, use quotation marks to
indicate a direct quotation and record
the page number.
 LIBRARY AND LEARNING SERVICES STUDY GUIDE | NOTE-TAKING
www.2.eit.ac.nz/library/OnlineGuides/Note-Taking.pdf

References

Dartmouth College, Academic Skills Center. (2001). Taking lecture and class notes.

http://www.Dartmouth.edu/~acskills/success/notes.html.

Freeman, R., & Meed, J. (1993). How to study effectively. Collins Educational.

James, J., & Brooks, J. (1996). Study skills guide. Whitireia Community Polytechnic.

La Trobe University. (2015). Taking notes.

http://www.latrobe.edu.au/students/learning/develop-skills/taking-notes

Massey University. (2012). Note-taking. http://owll.massey.ac.nz/study-skills/notetaking.php

Mindtools. (2015). Mind maps: A powerful approach to note-taking.

https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newISS_01.htm

The Open University. (2013). Skills for OU study: Example of linear notes.

http://www2.open.ac.uk/students/skillsforstudy/image-linear-notes.php

University of Reading. (2015). Study advice: Effective note taking.

http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/studyadvice/StudyResources/Reading/sta-
effective.aspx

UNSW. (2013). Effective reading and note-taking. https://student.unsw.edu.au/effectivereading-

and-note-taking

Updated December 2021