Taking notes during lectures comes in handy during exam preparations and revision sessions. However, students may not know what to write in lecture notes. If you are one of those students who struggle to determine what to write down during lectures, you may continue reading this article. Taking lecture notes can become easier if you follow a few strategic practices. Read more to know about the importance of taking lecture notes and how to become a good note-taker.

Why is taking good lecture notes important?

The benefits of taking notes are not just limited to exam preparation. It can be extended to multiple areas. The in-class and post-class benefits of making notes are:

In-class benefits

If you want to improve your academic performance or score better marks, you must pay attention to making detailed notes. With the help of notes, you are more likely to understand concepts better. When you keep writing during lectures, the chances of missing out on information remain low. Moreover, it also improves your active listening and comprehension skills.

Post-class benefits

Once you are done attending a lecture, you need to revise the concepts taught in the class. Good notes come in handy as they help you prepare for exams more effectively. Try to make concise notes with relevant information. Many teachers and professors share video lectures with students before starting the lectures. The best way to take notes from a video lecture is by pausing the video and noting down important points. Good notes are effective for creating outlines for the course.

Before jotting down the information in your notebook, try to understand what is a study note and where you can find the best notes to study during your examinations.

What is a study note?

The study note is a learning tool that helps students prepare for exams. Students can prepare their lecture notes or take help from free notes available online. These notes not only come in handy during the exams but help you understand the concepts better. With the help of concise notes, you can revise the topics just before the exams.

Where can I get study notes for free?

If you face difficulties jotting down crucial information during live lectures, you may be looking for free lecture notes online. Also, you might be asking your friends to help you prepare the notes. If you are stressed thinking about where can I get study notes for free, you must know that Teachmint offers study notes to all students. Simply, click here to make the most out of the available resources.

How to take good lecture notes in class?

There are a lot of things that go on in a class simultaneously. As a result, you may miss out on crucial details. A part of good note-taking may include going back to your notes and filling in the missed information. Doing so may improve your thinking and help you organize your thoughts better. Here are a few techniques to enhance your note-taking abilities.

Come to the class prepared

If you know what topics you are going to learn in today’s lecture, you are more likely to be attentive during the lectures. Preview the chapters a day before attending the classes. It will help you understand the important concepts and frameworks that may be discussed during the lectures. Look at the syllabus to know about the chapters likely to be covered in the class.

Note-taking during class

Taking notes during live lectures may seem difficult for many students. Here are some practical ways that can help you make effective notes.

Make clear, concise, and organized notes that are easy to read and understand.
Use more bullet points and short sentences to make notes.
Do not copy the entire presentation; instead, focus on the main points that your professor or teacher covers.
Jot down keywords, phrases, and important dates.
Follow a structure when making lecture notes. Pick a format that works the best for you.

Determine what to write down

Segregating information is crucial when making notes. If you cannot differentiate between crucial and non-crucial information, you may not be able to make effective study notes. Therefore, try and understand what information you need to write in your notes. Try including introductory remarks as they include summaries of overviews of main points.

Different formats for notes

There is no right format that needs to be followed when taking lecture notes. However, if you want to experiment with different formats or structures of taking notes, you may follow any of the formats mentioned below.

Cornell notes

If you are following this style, you need to have different sections for the date, essential question, topic, notes, and a summary.

Outline

You include all the main points when using this format of taking notes. Moreover, you can include examples and details.

Flowchart/concept map

If you are comfortable remembering details through visual representation, you can use a flowchart/concept map.

Charting method

In this format, the key topics are divided into columns, and facts are recorded underneath them.

Sentence method

It is the simplest form of note-taking where you write all details and information.

Making lecture notes is vital for effective study. It protects you from last-minute exam anxiety and hassles. However, significant benefits can be achieved when you use the best techniques to prepare lecture notes. Try the tips mentioned above to make the most out of your study notes.

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