Share Your Ideas: Effective Note Taking by Lucy Merkin

My notes

2019-01-24 17:30:07 UTC

As explained in the video, I find that taking notes by hand makes it easier to memorize the course, although taking notes guarantees more information. Both have their advantages. The best thing, if you have time, may be to take your notes on the computer and then put them on card by hand to memorize them. My personal plus, I use a lot of highlighters and try to highlight in my cards, the logical connectors that structure the course.

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator

How I take notes

2019-01-26 20:19:16 UTC

As outlined in the video, I have observed that I can write down much more information when I use a computer instead of paper. But there are some downsides, in particular the fact that I find it noisy and am not comfortable imposing it to my classmates.
When using a computer, I usually write full words but I focus on nouns and verbs, removing prepositions and adjectives.
When using paper, I use a range of recurring symbols (greek letters, etc) to shorten my words : for instance, the symbol ° for any word ending with -tion.
I usually use the outline method described in the video, but shall test out the two other methods someday to see if they are a better fit.

My method

2019-02-05 20:49:57 UTC

I agree with the video. I think both methods have their advantages. I used to take notes by hand when I was in high-school, but since I am studying in university, I take notes on my computer for many reasons : teachers are speaking faster, lessons are longer and I like to work on a computer (read, and write a text). When I need to learn something I write it down because it helps me to memorize it. I can’t learn something on a computer.

Abbreviations

cecile_clausset — 2019-02-07 15:31:02 UTC

The use of abbreviations isn't evoked, but it allows me to write quickly and to identify the main concepts quicker when I read my notes : I use symbols for the most frequent concepts.

Taking notes

2019-02-08 17:46:18 UTC

For my part, I really prefer to take notes in writing, it allows me to remember more easily and to be able to arrange my notes as I want, and to make sketches more easily. The last two methods seem more complicated to use.

My vocabulary tip

2019-02-11 12:54:44 UTC

I like to focus on a group of words to familiarize myself with them, I try to put them in appropriate situations.
If I am too ambitious in my learning, I learn a lot less.

On paper

2020-01-30 09:11:08 UTC

I prefer taking notes on paper because it's more tangible. I can use lots of abbreviations, and writing by hand allows me to remember and learn better. It gives me the impression to understand things much better and to clarify my ideas. I sometimes try to use mind-mapping but it does not work very well for me.

Taking notes

2020-02-02 09:58:55 UTC

like many, I always take my notes on paper (I still type too slowly on the computer), using abbreviations. Then I highlight what seems important to me and eventually I make index cards.

Paper, highlighter and symbol

2020-02-02 13:36:02 UTC

In fact, since we work remotely, and receive the lessons, I admit not having to take a lot of notes ! So, I'm going to talk here my way of treating my lessons. For my part, I print all my lessons so that I can make it my own and bring out the essential ideas and key words with different highlighters. I complete my readings with symbols to draw my attention to the most important points. I also use some post-it to organize my documents. Then, I use also some cards to summarize the essentiel with very short sentences, key words and highlighters again !
But I'm very interested in the mapping method because I think it requires a real active understanding and promotes memorization. I'm going to try it !

Graphic

2020-02-02 16:09:05 UTC

I like to resume ideas in a small graphic to show easily how many levels are included in one concept. I have a way to code some words that is coming from the old stenography that I learned when I was young, This way I can write faster. And I use the highlighter to match the similarities or oppositions

Colors

2020-02-03 22:11:35 UTC

Because I have photographic memory, I like to use lot of colors with pens and highlighters. Each color corresponds to an idea. I have two "general" colors : orange for very important things and yellow for examples or less important things.
I like to do lists, it's very useful to learn lessons.

Highlighted and keywords

2020-02-07 10:31:46 UTC

I'm not writting full sentenses, but only keywords and abbreviations.
I'm always associating colors and the the different parts of the plan.
For instance, the I. will be highlighted in blue, the II. in yellow... Then I can identify the different parts easily.

Vocabulary

2020-02-24 10:14:15 UTC

I use note sheets classified by category (verb, adverb, adjective) so I can reinvest it in my writing and readings. Then I create thematic flascards. This video is useful to organize ideas and summarize.

Taking notes on a laptop computer

2020-04-13 21:03:54 UTC

For a couple of years I have been taking notes on my computer because it's a very efficient technical support when you can properly use it, which is not easy at first.
Each note-taking method that is described on the websites has got its own specific purpose and I think that the Cornell Method as well as the Charting Method are particularly interesting, especially for students with an innate mathematical spirit.

My method

fatmaennouri — 2021-01-28 11:44:12 UTC

In high school I was using paper to take notes but since my first year in university it was impossible for me to do it because teachers speak very faster and there is too much informations to note. So my method is to note every thing on my computer and then at home I write them on a note sheets with too much of colors symbols that help me to memorise them easier! Yes its a double work but this help me not missing informations in class and memorising lessons ;)

From blank page to full paintings!

2021-02-01 17:38:23 UTC

I am a sucker for highlighters! I have a color code that I have been using for years and have amended slightly to allow for even more colors to be added to the mix. I use green to highlight book titles or structural ideas (e.g. if one professor says that throughout the 19th century, one idea was commonly shared). I use pink for super duper important stuff that are not structural ideas or titles. I use orange to highlight particular words (single words, I mean, not full sentences, unless it is a definition). Finally, I use yellow for things of lesser importance. I also use a pen to underline things, and put circled crosses in the margin to highlight one paragraph that is particularly noteworthy. I also write down words in the margin. In the end, it's very busy!

My way

2021-02-01 18:23:25 UTC

I’m a bit old-fashioned so I take notes on paper, using abbreviations. In that way, as seen in the video, I write less words but I understand better the meaning because I must rephrase teacher's words. Later, I used to highlight what seems important. When I find it necessary, I create a separate list of important definitions or key concepts.

How i take notes

2021-02-06 17:27:20 UTC

In order to take notes, i do need to write on paper. Writing on computer does not work for me. Moreover, i need to write every sentences. When i use abreviations, i struggle a lot to memorize informations. I have a photographic memory and sentences, colors and framework help me.

Old school

2021-03-08 16:12:16 UTC

Writing on computer doesn't work for me. Even if i must admit it can save time. I need to write with a pen and a piece of paper. Moreover, i draw mind maps that can help me to better appropriate the courses.

Taking Notes

coralinelaurent1 — 2022-02-02 17:31:00 UTC

First of all, I have a visual and auditory memory. Therefore, I use the same colour code in all my notes. For example, authors are written in blue, dates are in purple, definitions are highlightened in green...etc. Similarly, I prefer diagrams, tables and pictures.
The first step in my note-taking is to read the course for the first time, while highlighting what I think important.
Then I start taking notes, mostly on the computer because it allows me to be faster. In this second step, I am repeating the points. I made, reformulating and shortening them. Most of the time, I try to put in as few words as possible, I don't write sentences. Howeover, my cards must be structured with apparent titles. This allows me to find myself better in ideas.
As the exams approach, I am taking over these cards. When I read them several times, I take handwritten notes containing only a few words or ideas. I set myself the goal of making an A5 sheet (recto) per chapter of the course.
By reading and writting the main ideas several times, it allows me to record information as much as possible.
Howeover, taking notes is not the only way to remember the course, for me.

Be visual

2022-10-05 15:49:36 UTC

As some of my classmates, I think that colours and visual effects are really important to learn and memorize. It is often impossible to write down everything and full sentences, so bright and beautiful colours will help you structure your notes. It will also make it more pleasant to read, and it is important for your motivation when the exams are approaching !

Notes and notes

2022-10-06 14:04:15 UTC

I often take note of essential points like dates, definitions, vocabulary, grammar...
I start by writting on my computer explanations and real sentences, like a complete lesson. Then at the end of the lesson or before an exam, I make writting notes on paper with words, sketches and colors. It is important to me to have colors. So at the end, I just have a little note with essential reminders.

A little bit of everything

2022-10-14 12:17:32 UTC

While reading what others wrote, i found myself a bit in every ways of how they take notes. Indeed, i'm always working on paper since I have some very personal abreviations that can't be done fastly on computer. Also, i usully work by writing down key words or ideas that are meaningful to me on the moment and that can lead me to a better understanding and reflexion afterwards.

Taking notes

2023-02-06 17:51:12 UTC

I have been taking notes on my computer for years. I usually use Word to take notes and revise. I create a new Word file for every chapter of a lesson with specific definitions, new vocabulary, exercises with their answers as well as general knowledge from the course. The most important keywords and definitions are highlighted. I also divide information into categories and sections. I use full sentences to explain a concept or a new knowledge. I use short sentences for definitions and already-known knowledge. I generally don't use any abbreviations.
When I need to revise for tests or exams, I am reading the files again. Personally, I never take notes on paper and I couldn't do it this way.

A mix of different methods

2023-02-16 11:57:59 UTC

I have very different ways of taking notes. When I studied in a classroom at university, I used paper and took notes with the outline method. Now that I study remotely, I use my computer more often. I've fallen into the trap of taking notes "word to word" but it has been useful in sharing the notes with other students. I really like the cornell method the video introduces, and I would like to try it. But as for the mind-map method, I use it only to make a presentation of something, not for taking notes. I fear that it necessitates too much thinking on the moment to be fast enough for note taking while a teacher speaks.

Taking notes

2024-01-17 17:35:51 UTC

As a current university student, I find it difficult to take notes when my professors speak at full speed or when they rely on their visual presentation because there's too much information to take notes. Contrary, to the majority of my classmates, I do not use my computer for my courses. Personally, I write down only the main concepts, authors and explanations, I draw circles and arrows to symbolize the logical links between all the information. I also tend to capitalize linking words. Finally, I use a lot of abbreviations. At the end of the day, I often read my notes and underline the main things to remember. At the end, my notes are not very aesthetic but they are designed to help me understand the course.

My method

2024-01-22 16:20:41 UTC

When I have to take notes and the teacher speaks quite fast, I like to write key informations, without paying attention to spelling or synthax. My notes are most of the time in the shape of a list. After the class, I take a moment to re-organise everything, correct spelling, and categorise the information using titles.

My method

2024-01-29 08:50:48 UTC

When I take notes during a lesson, I write down the information that seems essential and important to me. Afterward, I refine my notes on my computer by adding elements to make the course clearer and more complete.

The handwriting team!

2025-01-21 12:17:19 UTC

Since I'm a little bit old (or should I rather say "old-fashioned" as in fact I'm only 31), I am definitely standing on the paper side! I recognise the speed benefit of taking notes on a computer, but it's proven that your brain does not remember as good as when you do it by hand. Plus, when I'm on a computer, I find it very hard to stay focuse on one subject, I'm tempted to do something else. Of course, handwriting is slower, that's why you have to summarise what you want to say very, very quickly , hence you are already in the process of learning. Then I highlight or write in a different color the words or sentences that are paramount.

Taking notes

2025-01-21 17:45:27 UTC

Even if I have to admit that taking notes on my computer is faster, I find that writing them down by hand is much more effective for me. I retain information better and it helps me stay focused on what is being said. I use abbreviations, arrows, tables, little drawings... to make the process easier and quicker. It allows me to gather as much information about what is being said as possible. In the margins, I take notes of key words or dates to make further research on later.

Afterwards, I can take my time redrafting everything, writing full sentences, making further research, adding illustrations, using a colour code...

My methods - note taking ?

2025-01-21 18:41:12 UTC

My methods for taking notes usually depends whether I'm working with a printed course or with a course/lecture on the computer.

If the course come in a .doc or .pdf format I will print it, read it, then highlight keywords and important stuff. I have a nice range of highlighter colours so I can use for example blue in a paragraph, with different shades of blue for the different ideas in it, then green for the next paragraph and so on. If I use the same shade of highlighter too much on the same page/paragraph/sentence it doesn't look clear, so that's why is use different shades. I also use different colours/shades for specific things, for example I might use bright orange everytime the word "compound noun" is repeated in the course or text. This helps with the next step which is to make little revision sheets. For this step I use different colors of pens, highlighters, underlining and circling things, adding bullet points and arrows etc... I handwrite those revision sheet and try to write only the most important stuff, in a clear manner and in a way that will make it easier to remember. I then mostly use those revision sheets to study and learn the course.

The other methods is when working with a course that is only online and cannot be printed, for example a video or such. In this case I take notes on my computer because I have a tendency to write down full sentences and handwriting on paper would take way too much time. So I write almost every word spoken in the video/audio or written on the site. I basically end up with a written version of the course on my word document, which I will then print and here the process is the same as said earlier, i.e. I will highlight important stuff with my collection of highlighters and then make handwritten revision sheets with bullet points, keywords, etc...

But overall I have this problem where I tend to write the whole sentences when taking notes by hand. I used to do that in first year and noticed it took way too long, so I switched to just put everything on a word doc and then print it and work directly with the printed documents. I find that traditional note taking when listening to a lecture or a course doesn't work for me, and I'm not really sure my methods are what we call note taking.

My note taking?

2025-01-22 10:37:14 UTC

How do I take notes? I prefer to do it on a computer because I find it more readable and cleaner.

I only note the most important information and make a summary or a list of points. I put color to see directly the most important words.

I also like to make diagrams or tables on the computer to summarize information or classify it.

Maria Boutzegia

2025-01-26 12:38:34 UTC

I most use the outline method to take notes when reading a book or listening to a lecture. The video provides with alternatives methods which I find very effective such as the mind map method and the Cornell method that is based on notes - cues and summary. I think the last one is the most effective so as to have an overview of the data presented in a nutshell.

My notes

2025-01-26 23:25:15 UTC

if the question I have to take notes is a text, I look for the title, it is my first impression. If so, I highlight the title. Then I look for concepts that fit into the context of the title.

I use abbreviations to write the main ideas in the margin

and I give sub-headings.

And I summarise the text.

note taking ??

2025-01-29 11:17:20 UTC

I prefer taking notes on a paper, because as the video explained the memory works better in it case. In a other way, computer can be useful when the teacher speak fast but the courses need to be reworked after.

simple and traditional

2025-02-02 14:19:21 UTC

I make a Word file that compiles a summary sheet of each lesson with a list of vocabulary and examples of new grammar points.

TEAM hand writing notes

2025-02-04 09:46:48 UTC

I am part of the team hand writing, my memory works much better this way. That help reinforce my memory and comprehension better than typing. It forces me to slow down and process the information more deeply.

Organizing my notes

2025-02-09 13:28:29 UTC

Whether I take notes by hand or on my computer, I always organize them the same way.

The most important thing for me is to prioritize information.

Before taking notes, I pay close attention to titles and subtitles, which help me give more context to the course. Then, I try to organize the information in a succession of lists.

On top of the list is the key concept/theme/event and below, its definition with examples etc. As the concept unfolds, I leave more space between the edge of the page and the text.

This way helps me visualize better the content of the course.

Then, I tend to make mind maps using titles, subtitles and key concepts to help me memorize by heart.

How I take my notes

2025-04-15 12:03:00 UTC

I'd say it all depends on the course I'm taking. If I'm taking notes orally, in a lecture for example, I'll use abbreviations, arrows and diagrams to reproduce the thought process my teacher is trying to convey. If I have to take notes from a lesson that has already been written / fully drafted, I'll “file” my lesson using a colour code to make it visual and I'll rewrite small menmotechnical cards by hand. Otherwise, I use annotations directly on my lessons.

Effective Note Taking

2026-01-28 15:45:08 UTC

The strategies or methods i use to make my notes clear and effective are: when the lesson is complicated, i write the complete sentences and use the abbreviations when the lesson is simpler. I alqo highlight my lessons to help me memorize.

How i take my notes : i use some of these ways to take notes.

Handwritten notes + colours

2026-01-29 14:46:39 UTC

I usually take notes by hand and I write full sentences, because it helps me understand the ideas clearly. I also use colours a lot. For example, I write the main ideas in one colour, definitions in another, and examples in a third colour. It makes my notes more organised and easier to review.

I like aesthetic notes because it motivates me to study. After class, I reread my page and I highlight the key points.

How I'm taking notes

2026-02-03 11:53:16 UTC

Effective note-taking is an exercise in active processing rather than simple transcription. To maintain speed without sacrificing clarity, I replace full sentences with a streamlined system of abbreviations and symbols. I use shorthand like w/ for "with" or b/c for "because" and employ arrows to connect related ideas. I also rely on structured layouts like the Cornell Method to keep my pages organized. This method involves dividing the paper into sections for main notes and keywords to make future revision much faster. For topics that are less linear, I prefer using mind maps to visualize how different concepts link together. While I am writing, I make sure to highlight key takeaways immediately so that the most critical information stands out for later study.

How I'm taking notes

2026-02-20 23:16:58 UTC

In fact, I prefer taking notes on paper, but I don't always have enough time. Generally I rewrite full sentences in my own words: I need a course that is clear and well-organized. I often use colors to highlight some words, a pencil to underline or comment (especially in a book). I point out elements that I fully understand, which helps me to memorize the course or what I have just read. But even when I highlight or underline, it's the complete sentence: sometimes, I put some words end to end in a long paragraph to recreate a highlighted sentence. I know that a key word won't help me because it makes no sense. For example, I remember mnemonic sentences better (like the ones we learn in primary school to memorize the list of prepositions or coordinating conjunctions).

Handwritten notes

2026-02-27 11:49:12 UTC

It's important for me to take notes by hand because writing them down helps me remember them. I often start with a vocabulary section, then write short sentences, highlighting the important terms. I rarely make "mind maps", although I find them visually appealing, but I feel like I waste too much time doing so.

How I'm taking notes

2026-04-01 16:27:42 UTC

I am not as young as I used to be, and I prefer to take handwritten notes, more for reading later than for the act of writing itself.

To memorize lessons, I find it easier for me to read handwritten notes.

I use a lot of colors to highlight titles and key sections, and I use many abbreviations to save time.

I use a lot of dashes and often start new lines.

As I am a teacher for pupils who are learning how to write, I write with a good handwriting, even when I write quickly. So, this makes my notes easy to read.