Organize and structure

• First and foremost, read prescribed reading material before taking notes and before class as this will help you identify and weed out what should be noted. Refer to the course's syllabus and topic objectives to be sure.


• Use headings and subheadings.


• Mark subheadings, keywords and definitions in different colors.


• Mark anything you didn't understand or want to follow-up.


• Highlight important information or data with color-coded highlighters.


• Rule pages into sections:
  • margins for notes and/or keywords
  • region for keywords
  • region for follow-ups
  • region for longer notes


• Try mindmaps for note-taking in class.


• Always paraphrase.


• Avoid writing complete sentences by omitting filler words.


• Incorporate symbols and abbreviations.


• Integrate images, if possible, particularly if you're a visual learner.


• Leave enough space on each page for additional notes after class, reading up or reviewing.


• Create an information hierarchy, which can be expanded later (aka the Outlining Method).

Tools

• Page flags for indexing textbooks, notebooks and printouts.


• Keywords, short definitions and concepts:
  • flashcards
  • index cards
  
  
• Apps that support note-taking:
  • Evernote
  • Microsoft OneNote
  • Mindmap apps
  
  
• Note-taking templates, such as Cornell Notes.

When reading

• Annotate pages of your textbook, articles and slides by marking text with underlines, highlights and notes to flag key concepts, data and examples.


• Summarize what you read in your notebook.

In class

• Dedicate a notebook to class or lecture note-taking.


• Templates such as Cornell Notes help structure, limit and highlight only what needs to be noted.

At exam time

• Create dedicated exam notes.


• Rewrite concise summaries.


• Focus on course objectives.