Taking notes is crucial for studying. Therefore, it is important to master an effective method. The following is a method that has proven to be both effective and useful.

1. Use appropriate study tools
• Use a three-ring binder. This allows you to insert blank and photocopied sheets, tables, figures, personal notes, etc.
• Using different coloured pencils and pens allows you to better organize your course notes.
• Set aside a coloured folder for each subject to gather all related course materials.

2. Structure and arrange your notes clearly
• Write only on the front side of the page. The back of the page is useful for add-ons such as diagrams, important definitions and comments.
• Use the margin to emphasize key words, highlight and organize important ideas, note questions, note references to previous notes, etc.
• Add plenty of space to your notes by using paragraphs, skipping several lines to help highlight titles and reserve extra space to add more detail, should the need arise.
• Use symbols and abbreviations to help you quickly take notes.
• Number each page so that you may easily refer back to the page later.
• Write legible notes. Studies have shown that the long and tedious process of re-writing your course notes does not improve your mastery of the content.

3. Review your notes as soon as possible
If possible, review your notes once again, no later than the same day that you took the notes.

When reading the notes for the second time, ensure that all definitions are correct and complete. Underline or highlight the main ideas within the text.

Final thoughts…

Notes should capture the most essential information for a course. Remember that it is extremely important for you to review your notes if you wish to succeed during your exams.

Contributed by the Academic Advisors of the COLLÈGE DE ROSEMONT

Translated and adapted from an Ici Rosemont article:
Ici Rosemont. 2007. J’APPRENDS À ÉTUDIER... pour mieux réussir: À propos de la prise des notes. February 12, 2007, Service des communications du Collège de Rosemont

Original article based on
LETARTE, A. et F. LAFOND. Habiletés d’étude : l’écoute en classe et la prise de notes, Québec, Université Laval,1989.

Montreal – Posted: August 13, 2007