How to take better notes in class ? There is nothing to beat note-taking to keep students actively engaged in a class. Here are a few key tips for taking better notes in the class.
Research before class
The importance of preparing for note-taking cannot be overemphasized. First of all analyze what are all the topics that would be covered during the particular class. This research will help you get familiar with the key terms and concepts. This preparation will additionally make you more engaged during the class. All this will help organize the notes later on.
Collaborative learning
We all know the strength of teamwork. There is nothing wrong with taking the help of classmates. For example, you may have missed a class and seek the help of a classmate to know what has been taught or get the notes. You can also exchange notes with your classmates and ensure that you have not missed any key points. Moreover discussing topics will also help develop a deeper understanding of subjects.
Clarify your doubts
This is something that is very important, but not followed by many. Always clarify your doubts, then and there. If you don’t understand something, please clarify with the respective teachers. This will ensure that you don’t carry forward an incomplete understanding. Moreover, clarification of doubts will strengthen your grasp of the topic. Additionally, asking questions demonstrates your active engagement in the class.
Be structured
Note-taking is not scribbling something and later on finding it difficult to make sense of what you have written! You must make the notes easy to comprehend. For example, you can underline the key points. You can also use different colors to highlight certain important points. The best way to go about it is to be prepared before the class about the structure that you will follow and eliminate any room for confusion.
Be organized
One of the keys to note-taking is to have separate notebooks for different subjects. Mark down the date and time of the class. Have a remarks column at the bottom, where you can note down certain important points. For example, a reminder to follow up on a doubt that you need to get clarified during the next class with the particular subject teacher.
Develop your shorthand
Tips for taking better notes easily! Try developing your shorthand for frequently used words. For example, you can use ‘2’, instead of ‘to’ or ‘grt’ instead of ‘great’, ‘nsy’ in place of ‘necessary’, etc. You can also try using symbols. Needless to say, this activity will also help add a bit of a fun element and help you focus better.
Positive affirmations
Before the class starts make some positive affirmations. Make sure that you tell yourself that you will not let your mind adrift and fully focus on the topic being taught. This will ensure that you will not get distracted during the class.
Actively engage
Try to participate actively in discussions on the topic being taught. Don’t be shy of sharing your thoughts. You can also always request the teacher to repeat certain parts of the lecture, if you feel it will help you understand better (How to stay curious and never stop learning.)
Summarize your notes
Tips for taking better notes ! Now that you have taken down the notes, it is time to summarize what you have learned. Go through the text thoroughly and identify the key points. This will help you categorize your learnings. It helps create an easy recall of topics. A glance at the summary and you know what the notes are all about, helping you save time.
Revisiting notes – Note these tips for taking better notes
Note-taking does not end with just taking notes! Going through the notes will help you identify any gaps and points that you may need to clarify with your teacher. By reviewing notes you can ensure that all points are covered. Similarly, exchanging notes with classmates can also help you find information that you may have overlooked.
At the school, our teachers always emphasize the importance of note-taking for its ability to improve recall and enhance understanding of crucial concepts in a subject. To find out more about what makes us a top CBSE school in Coimbatore, get in touch with us today.
