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What would you say is the best way to take notes? I heard some people do bullet points, writing down notes once then copying it again, etc. but I'm wondering if there are better and/or more effective ways.
#Notes #Advice
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8 answers
Updated
Sandra’s Answer
As Miko and Doan mentioned, everyone digests information and organizes themselves differently! It also depends on what you are using the notes for. Is it something you need to memorize such as for a test? Is it something you want to reference in the future? Is it to make sure you complete a task on time?
I keep my notes and to-do lists in my email because it's searchable and in a centralized place.
For example:
1. I have a meeting and I write down the notes in an email and send it to myself. I keep all my emails of things I need to do in my inbox. Anything complete I file into a folder within my email. This allows me to see at quick glance what is outstanding.
2. Then, I review the notes and clean them up (in case I want to send it to other people). I tend to have three sections (not all have to be filled out):
SECTION 1 - NEXT STEPS (Homework, things that need to be completed - think actionable)
SECTION 2 - DECISIONS MADE (Was there anything that everyone agreed on or commented on)
SECTION 3 - TOPICS DISCUSSED (This is the bulk of my notes but I summarize each topic discussed)
3. Once I complete the homework in my notes, I file it away in a folder within my email. If I ever need to reference it, I can just search my email.
There are other tools out there that can help centralize notes too, like Evernote!
I keep my notes and to-do lists in my email because it's searchable and in a centralized place.
For example:
1. I have a meeting and I write down the notes in an email and send it to myself. I keep all my emails of things I need to do in my inbox. Anything complete I file into a folder within my email. This allows me to see at quick glance what is outstanding.
2. Then, I review the notes and clean them up (in case I want to send it to other people). I tend to have three sections (not all have to be filled out):
SECTION 1 - NEXT STEPS (Homework, things that need to be completed - think actionable)
SECTION 2 - DECISIONS MADE (Was there anything that everyone agreed on or commented on)
SECTION 3 - TOPICS DISCUSSED (This is the bulk of my notes but I summarize each topic discussed)
3. Once I complete the homework in my notes, I file it away in a folder within my email. If I ever need to reference it, I can just search my email.
There are other tools out there that can help centralize notes too, like Evernote!
Thank you so much for the advice
Eugenia
My pleasure Eugenia! Hope you found it helpful :)
Sandra Tichy
Updated
Doan’s Answer
Everyone's mind works differently. While one method may work for others, it may not work for you.
It is good to do what you are doing -- explore different methods and choose one that works for you.
I started doing bullet journaling for all my day-to-day notes. The great thing is that the format of the bullet journal is up to you and you can customize it: https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/blog/how-to-bullet-journal
Another way that is useful, but requires more space (ideal if you are taking notes electronically), is using a mind map. Here are some examples: https://www.google.com/search?q=mind+map+examples&sxsrf=ALeKk02svodjgmI9_QhC7od7qgzL6PZJig%3A1616112009218&source=hp&ei=ielTYNGKCsnusQXDq63oAw&iflsig=AINFCbYAAAAAYFP3mYEImGVxDcQk6ql6gwFsU5XGdIBR&oq=mind+map+examples&gs_lcp=Cgdnd3Mtd2l6EAMyBQgAELEDMgIIADICCAAyAggAMgIIADICCAAyAggAMgIIADICCAAyAggAOgQIIxAnOggIABCxAxCDAToLCC4QsQMQxwEQowI6AgguOggILhCxAxCDAToFCC4QsQM6BQgAEMkDOgUIABCSAzoICC4QsQMQkwI6BwgAELEDEAo6BAgAEApQ1AlY_iZgqyhoAHAAeACAAXSIAe0IkgEEMTYuMZgBAKABAaoBB2d3cy13aXo&sclient=gws-wiz&ved=0ahUKEwiR8-SxhrvvAhVJd6wKHcNVCz0Q4dUDCAk&uact=5
It is good to do what you are doing -- explore different methods and choose one that works for you.
I started doing bullet journaling for all my day-to-day notes. The great thing is that the format of the bullet journal is up to you and you can customize it: https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/blog/how-to-bullet-journal
Another way that is useful, but requires more space (ideal if you are taking notes electronically), is using a mind map. Here are some examples: https://www.google.com/search?q=mind+map+examples&sxsrf=ALeKk02svodjgmI9_QhC7od7qgzL6PZJig%3A1616112009218&source=hp&ei=ielTYNGKCsnusQXDq63oAw&iflsig=AINFCbYAAAAAYFP3mYEImGVxDcQk6ql6gwFsU5XGdIBR&oq=mind+map+examples&gs_lcp=Cgdnd3Mtd2l6EAMyBQgAELEDMgIIADICCAAyAggAMgIIADICCAAyAggAMgIIADICCAAyAggAOgQIIxAnOggIABCxAxCDAToLCC4QsQMQxwEQowI6AgguOggILhCxAxCDAToFCC4QsQM6BQgAEMkDOgUIABCSAzoICC4QsQMQkwI6BwgAELEDEAo6BAgAEApQ1AlY_iZgqyhoAHAAeACAAXSIAe0IkgEEMTYuMZgBAKABAaoBB2d3cy13aXo&sclient=gws-wiz&ved=0ahUKEwiR8-SxhrvvAhVJd6wKHcNVCz0Q4dUDCAk&uact=5
Thank you so much for the advice and resources
Eugenia
Updated
Caroline’s Answer
I've recently been using the onenotes application on my computer. During meetings I write down thigs that were said in bullet point form and then after the meeting I review the notes and highlight key action items that I immediately need to work on. I also jot down notes on my phone for reminders of things to do. Additionally I've started using the app called To-Doist. This app lists out to-do items that I can cross of during the day and I have found it helpful. Try to experiment with different note taking methods to see what works best for you!
Thank you so much for the advice
Eugenia
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Note taking depends on the person and how you best remember the information that you're being given. Think about how you like to see the information being presented to you, and if it's something that you will remember. There are a variety of ways to take notes and then study for success.
* Bullet points
* Note Cards
* Hand written
* Typed out
* Reading from a physical book and highlighting or transferring the content to paper
* Reading from an eBook and then transferring to paper.
There are a variety of learning styles and online quizzes to help you understand yours. Once you have that locked in, you will be able to really fine tune your note taking strategy for success.
* Bullet points
* Note Cards
* Hand written
* Typed out
* Reading from a physical book and highlighting or transferring the content to paper
* Reading from an eBook and then transferring to paper.
There are a variety of learning styles and online quizzes to help you understand yours. Once you have that locked in, you will be able to really fine tune your note taking strategy for success.
Thank you for all the recommendations
Eugenia
Updated
Simeon’s Answer
Experiment with a couple of different methods. For me, the most effective method is mind-mapping or brainstorming. This involves putting a central concept at the center of the page and circling it. From there, I attach new thoughts that come up during the lesson to the central one by writing them down in a few words, circling them, and drawing lines connecting the new thought to either the central concept or other thought bubbles. Some people like recording lectures as well, but you'll need your professor's permission for that approach.
Ah, I see. Thank you so much for the idea.
Eugenia
Updated
Kathleen’s Answer
The advice of the others is really good and mainly you need to take notes in a way that will best convey the information for others to understand or that will help you recall the important points and what they mean. I scribe for many of the various projects I work on within my organization and I find a combination of bullet points to organize my thoughts and then additional descriptive words or even sentences will help me to convey the materials to others.
Thank you for the advice
Eugenia
Updated
Miko’s Answer
Hi Eugenia....This is a great question. This is a personal choice however I prefer writing down as much as I can on the subject. The link below should be helpful.
https://collegeinfogeek.com/how-to-take-notes-in-college/
https://collegeinfogeek.com/how-to-take-notes-in-college/
Thank you for the advice
Eugenia
Your welcome! Always a pleasure to help a student.
Miko Baldwin
Updated
Fernando’s Answer
It all depends on how you approach it. I personally tend to write down the key talking points and review them later on in order to make sure they stick in my head. Other times I write down bullet points and once done I organize all the bullet points into a cohesive document. This makes it easier for me to keep track of each bit of information in an easily readable format.
There's no one definitive style with regards to taking notes. I recommend experimenting with various styles until you find the one that suits you the best.
There's no one definitive style with regards to taking notes. I recommend experimenting with various styles until you find the one that suits you the best.
I see, thank you for the suggestion
Eugenia