Take effective notes
Good note-taking isn’t just about writing everything down, it’s a tool that makes learning easier and more meaningful. When you take notes effectively, you’ll save time, stay focused, and build skills that help in study and beyond.
There are many situations at university in which you will need to take notes: lectures, readings, research, group meetings. Before you start, think about why you're taking them. Your purpose shapes what you write down and how you do it.
Are you trying to:
- review a reading?
- remember key points from a lecture?
- prepare for an exam or assessment?
At uni, taking notes mostly occurs in two situations:
- summarising what you read
- jotting down info from spoken content.
Like anything, note-taking gets easier with practice.
The first question to ask is "Why am I reading this?" Knowing the answer will sharpen your focus on the information you need to complete the task. To be a good note-taker, you also need to be a good reader.
Effective note-taking means being able to:
- know what information is relevant
- identify main ideas
- use a note-taking system that's effective for you
- condense information into point form or a diagram
- express ideas in your own words (paraphrase)
- record the publication information for referencing later.
You may wonder whether it's better just to listen during a lecture rather than take notes. The answer is: do both.
Note-taking is helpful as it can:
- help you to recall the lecture content
- provide the basis for further research afterwards
- jog your memory when you revise
- help you stay awake.
If you are writing notes in a lecture and the lecture slides are available to you on Moodle, then there is no point writing what it says on the slides – simply view the presentation afterwards. Instead, focus on any supplementary information that the lecturer adds to those notes that could be useful.
Like the notes you take when reading, try to:
- identify the main points of the presentation
- write key words and phrases the lecturer uses
- focus on examples the lecturer provides that can help you understand the concepts.
Prepare before the lecture as well. At least know what the topic will be and read any recommended texts beforehand. You should be able to get this information from the unit description.
Considering that you will need to re-read whatever you've noted, aim to organise the information. Your future self will thank you.
What kind of system will vary depending on how you think. For example:
- use different coloured pens for different ideas
- create a mind map
- write dot points
- draw a picture that captures the main points.
When taking notes in lectures, whether it's by hand or on a laptop:
- don't worry about spelling or sentence structure – correct that later
- try different ways of presenting the information, e.g., diagrams, symbols.
Whatever your system, the information will be easier to record and use later because of it. Experiment. Only you can say what works best for you.
Can I use a laptop in lectures to take notes?
Yes. Just keep in mind that you should consider other students around you and type softly.
What if lecture notes aren't given out in lectures?
It is most likely that your lecturer is posting the lecture notes into your unit Moodle shell and not actually giving them out. Before class, go to Moodle and look in the relevant unit. This is the place where lecture notes, PowerPoint slides and assessment task outlines will be found. It is also where updates on your class and work are posted.
Do I have to take notes in lectures?
It's up to you. Keep in mind that lectures are a source of vital information for the course. Find some way to retain the information, whether it is by taking notes during the lecture, or writing a summary afterwards.
Can I record the lecture?
Some lecturers will record their own lecture and make it available through their Moodle site. Other lecturers will not permit you to record their lecture. Ask your individual lecturer for permission beforehand.