This chapter described the skills needed to take good notes in all types of classes, introduced four note-taking methods, and explored how note taking can help you excel at work. Revisit the following key points, and reflect on how you can use this information to support your success now and in the future.
To take good notes, you need to follow a four-step process: prepare to take notes; actively listen, watch, read, and participate to focus on the information you’re hearing or reading; record information; and review your notes.
You can use a number of methods to take notes. This chapter describes four such methods: outlining, the Cornell system, mapping, and charting.
Outlining is a structured way to take notes that involves recording information at different levels using letters and numerals or bullet points.
In the Cornell system, you record notes, cues, and summaries on a single page. You first make notes and then go back to write cues and summaries that will be useful for studying.
Mapping presents information visually. Nodes, branches, and symbols help you organize and depict relationships among ideas.
Charts organize a large amount of information in a series of rows and columns.
To take good notes in math and science classes, you need to be especially thorough in noting formulas, equations, and diagrams. Learning math and science shorthand (such as abbreviations) will help you take notes quickly and accurately.
When taking notes for online classes, keep up with class material, schedule enough time for note taking, and take notes on all the information you’re exposed to (such as recorded lectures, videos, and discussion board posts).
At work, taking good notes can help you demonstrate accuracy and attention to detail, transform information so it’s easy for others to understand, and use information to develop a wide range of documents and presentations and to complete important projects.