Whether you have already finished school or you still are a student, trying to memorise pages of information for every important exam can be difficult or stressful. Students have many different tactics they can use study, like using flashcards or mnemonic devices such as patterns, but no matter what tactic you use, you’ll have to study your notes. This means that you have to organise yourself and your notes in a way that makes sense to you to study well. Taking notes is a great way to remember important information for classes and it helps you to actively listen to the teacher during class.

 

Making your own notes also allows you to write/draw/doodle the information in a way that makes it easier for you to personally understand and remember the information. There is no right or wrong way to take notes because it all comes down to what suits you best, but here are some helpful tips that can make note taking easier and more fun.

 

Tip #1: Organization

The best way to take notes, is to have something to take notes with. This seem obvious, but you don’t just need a pen and notebook. Try bringing colored markers, different colors of paper, flash cards, stickers, and other creative things that can brighten up the information on the pages. These colorful and unique ways will not only make your notes more presentable, but easier to read again as well as easier to memorize. “Which equation do I use? Oh yeah, it was the one written in purple.”

 

Tip #2: Repetition

It’s not a problem to have messy notes when writing during classes, because it’s difficult to write down all the necessary information while simultaneously making it legible. It’s a good idea to make quick notes in class, then copy them down in detail at home when you have more time, especially since this also helps you remember the information.

 

Tip #3: Understand What is Important

Identify the most important things that the teacher says during the lesson and make sure you write those things down. These are the things that will most likely feature on the exam and should be the areas you spend more time on. However, don’t disregard other areas.

 

Tip #4: Develop Your own Style

There are many different types of learners, ranging from people who learn visually to people who need to move around while learning in order to absorb the information. Notes are not confined to paper. You could bring a recorder to class and listen to the information as many times as you wish if you are an auditory learner. You could make a quiz about the topic, give it to a friend and have them ask you questions if you learn by speaking.

 

There are so many possibilities. Once again, there is no right or wrong way to take notes, and in the end it is best to use whatever style of note taking works for you but you won’t know until you try a few of the suggestions above. Happy note taking!