It is only useful if you can easily find your notes in your notebook.If you write organized notes, your notebook can be organized.If you make quick additions like a table of contents and color-coded index, it's easier to stay organized with a good quality, functional notebook.
Step 1: Prepare for the class, meeting, or other opportunity.
Taking better notes in class starts with doing the assigned readings.Go over any pre-circulated materials carefully to take better notes.It will be easier to follow along and identify the key points if you make the material less of a surprise.If you don't have any readings or pre-circulated materials, do a quick research on the topic so you know what's coming.
Step 2: If you want to see and hear clearly, choose a good note-taking spot.
The best note-takers usually sit near the front of the class.Hearing the speaker clearly makes note-taking easier.Along with the facial expressions and body language of the speaker, being able to see any slides or visual materials clearly is a must.If you need any special accommodations, talk to your teacher, supervisor, or anyone else.
Step 3: Key points are identified by signal phrases and actions.
The key to good note-taking is knowing what to write down.To pick out the key points you should write down, look for signals, such as particular phrases or uses of body language.Keep an eye out for the speaker repeating a phrase, this usually means it.Look for signals like pointing, tapping their fist into their palm, and opening their arms wide.When the speaker raises their voice or speaks slowly, pay attention.
Step 4: You can easily create a shorthand writing system.
abbreviations, symbols, diagrams, sketches, and other shorthand techniques can be used to take notes more quickly.Make sure you can read over your notes easily if you are making up your own shorthand system.If you can't remember what "CW" stands for when you're studying, you will end up wasting more time by writing out the entire phrase each time.
Step 5: Place more organized notes on side-by-side pages.
The method turns one notebook into two.When the notebook is open, use the page to the left of the binding to make quick sketches, add reminders, and so on.Rewriting this information in a more organized manner on the page to the right of the binding should be done at least once per day.Rewriting your notes is not a waste of time.Rewriting can help you commit the information to memory more effectively.This can help with test prep.
Step 6: Use the Cornell method to structure your note pages.
Draw a horizontal line from the bottom of the blank note page and label the area below it.Clarifying questions and comments should be written down after adding material to the "Notes" section.In the summary section at the end of the day, summarize the entire content.
Step 7: A simple approach is to write down your notes in a basic outline format.
If you prefer to keep your notes more organized from the start, try outlining as you go, instead of adding to them or re-writing them later.Along the left edge of the paper, write down key words and topics.When you add supporting details below the main topic, the indent is 1 in from the left edge.If you add supporting details, indent again.If you want your outline to be more formal, use a mix of Roman numerals, letters, and Arabic numerals as labels.Supporting note for main topic A.
Step 8: If you are a visual learner, try mind mapping.
Draw a circle in the middle of the note page and write down the main topics of your lecture or presentation.To connect the circles with thicker lines, write down important supporting information in smaller circles around the central circle.The process can be repeated with even smaller circles and thinner connecting lines.It is possible to do mind-mapping on one page of your open notebook, then re- write the notes on the other page in a basic outline format.
Step 9: The note-taking system works best for you.
There are different note-taking methods that are best for everyone.Try different options, such as Cornell notes, and figure out what works best for you.Stick with it once you discover what works.If you're in college, you can get tips from a teacher, tutor, or classmates who's a good note-taker.
Step 10: If your notebook doesn't have page numbers, add them.
Not all notebooks use page numbers.If the pages aren't numbered already, jot down the page number as you move on to the next page.Adding page numbers is important to a useful table of contents, even if you use color-coding to help index your notes.
Step 11: The table of contents needs several pages at the front.
Leaving a few blank pages at the front is probably enough for an average notebook.This space needs to be filled in regularly.Each time you complete a page or add something important to your notebook, add a brief entry to the table of contents.You could include entries by date.You could describe the entry as: "pg."The fall of the Roman Empire.
Step 12: There is a subject index at the back of the notebook.
At the bottom of the last page, write down index categories that make sense based on how you are using the notebook.As you add new categories, make a note of the page numbers for each category.For the best results, use page numbers and the color-coding method described in the next step to create an index.Your index categories could be things like meetings, test results, contact, brainstorms, sample sketches, and so on.
Step 13: The page edges have a color code.
To add a specific color to the thin edge of the page, use a marker or highlighter right next to an index entry.To mark the locations in your notes related to the index entry, use this same color.This method makes it easy to find similar materials in your notebook.If you have "Brainstorms" scattered throughout your notebook, you can find them quickly.Some people use sticky tabs instead of color-coded ones.
Step 14: Purchase a notebook that is sturdy.
It is more difficult to keep a notebook organized if the pages are torn or fallen out.If you will be carrying it in your bag or pocket, look for a notebook with a sturdy cover, a secure binding, and thicker pages.Not all notebooks are sturdy.Pick out a notebook that is both sturdy and functional.It's important that size matters!Pick a notebook that will fit where you keep it.Damage and disorganization can be caused byramming a notebook into a desk drawer that is too small.Even if a notebook is in better shape, it can still feel disorganized even if it is well-organized.A well-kept notebook can feel more organized.
Step 15: If you need a layout that suits you, buy a structured notebook.
If you plan on using your own organizing system, a simple notebook with either lined or unlined pages may do the job perfectly.If your notebook does some of the organizing for you, it will be easier to stay organized.If you are buying a notebook for a specific purpose, consider options that are tailor-made.Pick a notebook that has a daily or weekly calendar layout if you use it mostly for scheduling.Bullet Journal is an example of a notebook intended for use with a specific note-taking system.
Step 16: Key identifying information can be placed on the first page.
The world's best-organized notebook won't do you any good if you misplace it.The front cover has your name and contact information on it, along with the subject and date range of the notebook.While writing your name down makes it easier for someone to return a lost notebook to you, writing down the subject matter and date range helps you keep multiple notebooks organized.
Step 17: Personal goals or messages can be written down.
This will not make your notebook any more organized.It can help keep you focused.Pick a few high-visibility spots in the notebook to write down some self-motivation and inspiration.Depending on your situation and your personality, you could respond to a self-challenge with an uplifting message: "I can do this!"