| By Nancy Ekponon |
Note-taking can make or break your success in school. A solid strategy not only helps you stay organized but also boosts your ability to retain and understand material. If you're ready to take your notes to the next level, here are some modern approaches that can make your study sessions a lot smoother.
1. The Power of Digital Note-Taking: Tablets Made for Notes
If you're someone who enjoys the convenience of digital tools but still likes to handwrite your
notes, there are specific tablets designed just for note-taking that offer the best of both worlds. These tablets focus on writing, organizing, and storing your notes without the distraction of social media or other apps.
For example, the Boox tablet is a great option for digital note-taking. It’s designed specifically
for reading and writing with a stylus, giving you the feel of pen and paper but with all the
advantages of a digital tool. You can take notes, annotate PDFs, and organize your material
easily. Plus, the Boox tablet’s e-ink display reduces eye strain, making it easier to write for long periods.
Using apps like GoodNotes or Notability on these tablets, you can write everything down as you would with paper, draw diagrams, and even annotate documents - all while keeping your notes organized in a way that’s easy to search and review later.
Why is this great?
You get the tactile feel of writing by hand, but all your notes are digitally stored and easily accessible.
You can add images, diagrams, and annotations directly onto documents.
It’s easy to reorganize or edit notes as needed, and no more losing papers!
Tip: If you’re someone who likes to jot down quick notes or diagrams, a note-taking tablet like
the Boox is a game-changer. You can quickly highlight important points, and your notes are
always in one place, no more digging through binders!
You can buy them through Amazon!
2. Collaborate with Friends in Class
Sometimes, it’s hard to catch everything your teacher says, especially in fast-paced lessons. If
you have friends in the same class, try collaborating to make sure you capture all the important information. One person can take notes while another focuses on listening, and you can compare afterward to fill in any gaps. You could even type up your notes together digitally and share them to ensure you're both on the same page.
This can be particularly helpful when you're working through dense material or preparing for a
big test, as it makes it easier to consolidate key points and get a well-rounded view of what was taught.
Tip: Using apps like Google Docs or Microsoft OneNote allows multiple people to edit the same document in real-time, making it easy to collaborate on notes and ensure nothing is missed.
3. Focus on Key Points, Not Every Word
One of the biggest mistakes when note-taking is trying to write down everything the teacher
says. Instead, focus on the main concepts, formulas, and key ideas. If your teacher emphasizes something, make sure to jot it down, but avoid the temptation to transcribe everything word for word.
For example, in a math class, rather than writing down every calculation, focus on the core
formula, key steps in solving the problem, and any important examples the teacher uses.
Tip: Use bullet points or outlines to keep things concise and easy to review. This makes it easier to scan your notes later when you’re studying.
4. Paper & Pen Methods: The Traditional Approach
While digital tools are convenient, many students still prefer the tactile experience of paper and pen when taking notes. It has been proven that writing by hand can help with memory retention and focus, making it a great choice for some learners.
A simple yet effective method is the outline method, which helps you structure your notes. Start with broad headings and subheadings, and break down information as you go along. For
example, in a history class, you might write the date of an event as a heading, followed by bullet points for important details, causes, and effects. This keeps your notes organized and easy to follow.
Another method that works well is the mapping method, especially when studying for subjects
that require visual thinking. Drawing diagrams, flowcharts, or mind maps can help visualize relationships between concepts, making it easier to understand complex topics. This is especially useful in subjects like biology or social studies.
Tip: When writing by hand, use different coloured pens or highlighters to emphasize key points and create visual structure. Colour coding can help you quickly identify important sections when you review them later.
5. Use Visuals to Clarify Complex Concepts
Visual learners can greatly benefit from incorporating diagrams, charts, and graphs into their
notes. When you’re tackling subjects like chemistry, physics, or even history, visuals can break
down complicated material in a way that words sometimes can't.
For example, drawing a quick diagram in biology to show the parts of a cell or sketching a force diagram in physics will help you understand and remember the material much better.
Tip: If you’re using a tablet, drawing visuals becomes even easier. Apps like GoodNotes let you sketch and annotate diagrams, allowing you to integrate visuals seamlessly into your notes. For traditional note-takers, drawing visuals by hand can be equally effective!
6. Color Coding for Quick Reference
Colour coding can be a game-changer for organizing your notes. It helps break down the material into categories, making it easier to find important information when you review and remember the information more clearly.
For example, in a history class, you could use yellow for key dates, blue for important events,
and green for causes and effects. This makes it easy to quickly identify key points when studying.
Tip: If you're using digital tools like a tablet, you can easily switch between colours, highlight
important sections, and even change the text size for emphasis. For paper-based notes, use
coloured pens or highlighters to achieve the same effect.
7. Review and Revise Regularly
Taking notes is only half the battle. The key to retaining information is reviewing your notes
regularly. Instead of cramming before a test, aim to go over your notes a little bit every day. This will help you reinforce the material and make it easier to remember when it’s time to study for the exam.
Tip: If you’re short on time, focus on reviewing the highlights—key concepts, definitions, and
examples. You can also take 10-15 minutes each day to rewrite or summarize your notes in your own words to reinforce your understanding.
With these strategies, you'll be able to take your note-taking to the next level. Whether you're
using a Boox tablet or sticking to traditional pen-and-paper methods, organizing your notes
effectively will help you study smarter, not harder. Remember, the key to great notes is finding a system that works best for you!
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