Tips for taking notes in school

The secret to learning can be found in effective note-taking. Becoming efficient in note-taking in school can lead to success, not only in high school but in college and the workplace.

What is good note-taking?

Good note-taking is a learning strategy that engages students with effortful processing of lecture content rather than passive listening. An effective note-taker evaluates, prioritizes, and organizes lecture content. Effective notes distinguish important ideas from less-important details, organize content, and articulate how ideas relate to each other. by Claudia Stanny

A survey of 577 college students found that when surveyed about note-taking, they frequently reported that they wished they had taken better notes.

Note-taking provides several benefits beyond that record of what was taught in a lecture or class activity.

This article will overview established thoughts on strategies high school students can use to improve the effectiveness of their note-taking skills.

Less is more

When it comes to taking notes, less is more. So avoid writing everything down because you might miss listening to what the teacher is saying.

Important points

Your teacher may do this for you on the board or in their presentation. So copy them down. If not, listen to (and record) the critical facts from the class session.

Don't be shy  

We all miss things, especially if the teacher is going too fast, so don't hesitate to ask the instructor to repeat them. Other students, who missed the information, may be relieved as well.

Share and compare

Like other skills, note-taking improves when students have multiple opportunities to practice and receive feedback. Review your notes with a classmate or compare them during your actual assignment — you can add to your messages as you read.

Copy notes

Look over your notes when you get home, and recopy them if necessary. Copying notes by translating the material into your own words is a study skill that is critical for the brain. It forces you to slow down to take the material sentence by sentence, word by word, or even letter by letter while reading.

Emphasize and organize

As you take notes, you'll decide on and highlight the key ideas you hear, identifying the structure of a class presentation. You'll also be able to indicate the supporting points of a display, making study and understanding easier after class. Such organized notes also make it easier for you to link classroom learning to textbook readings.

Paper versus digital?

Does the medium make a difference? High school students who use digital devices for off-task activities could create distractions. But providing students with options for taking notes improves and increases the likelihood of taking notes and the accessibility of the classroom.

The power of starting small with Kernels

Kernels help you capture a quick thought, create checklists, sketch ideas, and update your notes across all devices. They allow you to charge your best ideas before they escape your busy mind. Join our community; it's free.