Taking notes

Taking notes is part of a complex process involving listening, understanding, selecting and analysing information. So note-taking comes at the end of the process.

Clear, useful and well-organised notes reduce the amount of time you need to spend studying and will make life easier when the time comes to study for your exams. So note-taking helps you concentrate and helps you learn. 

Note-taking should be adapted to the courses you are taking, depending on their characteristics (teacher's style, written materials, slides, available written materials, etc.).

Some advice

• Pay close attention to what is said in class and what you write, especially at the beginning (announcement of the plan) and at the end (conclusions, summaries and synthesis).
• Take your own notes and don't automatically rely on those of your classmates, as everyone has their own method, abbreviations, way of writing and summarising.
• On the other hand, other people's notes can be useful for additions or corrections, but choose the author carefully.
• After a few weeks of lessons, don't take notes; evaluate your note-taking skills in order to adapt and develop your technique.

To go further, read our tips for practice the active listening, use computer tools and develop strategies for effective note-taking.