So.
A lot of us are in school.
A lot of us have jobs.
And that requires note taking.
Whether it's 7 hours of lectures on our founding fathers or minutes from the latest project meeting, we all have to take notes at times in our lives. And if you're trying to go paperless (a concept I am quickly becoming fond of), then digital note taking and filing is a must. Here's my method, and why it works. Please bear in mind that I am still a high school student, and this method is just what I use.
A lot of us are in school.
A lot of us have jobs.
And that requires note taking.
Whether it's 7 hours of lectures on our founding fathers or minutes from the latest project meeting, we all have to take notes at times in our lives. And if you're trying to go paperless (a concept I am quickly becoming fond of), then digital note taking and filing is a must. Here's my method, and why it works. Please bear in mind that I am still a high school student, and this method is just what I use.
- Open Google Docs (my preferred option), Evernote, one note, Microsoft Onenote (an option I'm considering the switch to), or just a note- taking application on whatever electronic you've decided to use.
- Decide on the type of note taking strategy you're going to use.
Sarah's Note-Taking Strategy: For English and History lectures:
For Math and Science lectures:
| Double Column Note-Taking Strategy: Create two columns on the page. As the speaker continues, concepts should be written on the left side of the paper, and all notes on that concept on the right. People differ on where to place vocabulary and side notes in this method. I prefer to use an adhesive square of paper (sometimes called Post-Its, but I'm being careful with brand names here) and write the word on one side, then stick it to the left hand side of the paper underneath the title to which it belongs. I then fold it up so that I can see what parts of the paper are exposed, and write the definition. I simply write side notes (test questions, essay questions, dates, extra anecdotes, etc) in the notes themselves in a differently colored ink. Cornell Note-Taking Strategy: Create two columns: a thinner one on the left and a thicker one on the right. On the bottom third of your paper, draw a horizontal line, then erase the line drawn through it. You should have three unevenly sized rectangles. During the lecture, take notes in the upper right hand rectangle. Afterwards, write out vocabulary and topics in the left rectangle as they were presented. At this time, also summarize the main points in the bottom rectangle. You'll need a template to do this electronically, but you can, of course, take your notes on paper (if that helps you to remember) and type them later on. |