Note-taking

• If you are making notes from a chapter of a book or a journal article, read the first and last few paragraphs (and the summary/abstract if there is one) to get a flavour of the topic.
• If taking lecture notes familiarise yourself beforehand with the topic. The module handbook should give you a guide
• When taking lecture notes start each lecture note with subject/title, lecturer's name and date

Do

• Keep notes brief
• Use your own words
• Leave spaces. Wide margin or write on one side of paper - to add notes later
• Note key words and main ideas
• Write phrases – NOT sentences
• Use abbreviations (create your own)
• Use headings
• Number points
• Make the page interesting – with colour, use arrows, numbers, boxes
• Note sources of information. Be precise - you will need details when writing your references.
• Read your lecture notes through as soon as possible. Make them clearer by adding your own notes. If you think you have missed something, check with your lecturer or colleagues.
• Organise your notes in ring binders with dividers

Do not

• Copy chunks and phrases of books/journals
• Write out lecture notes again to make them neater

Tidy your messy notes

Try some or all of the following:

• Draw a circles/squares in different colours around sections of notes to make them stand out.
• Underline headings.
• Divide the page into sections.
• Draw circles round floating bits of information.
• Link information by colour or arrows.
• Write a summary sheet for later revision.

Next: Minor conventions, major impact

Updated: 28 October, 2008 | Effective Learning Service | Legal