Typical note-taking techniques in a few sentences

Describe your typical note-taking techniques in a few sentences. Do you try to write down as much of what the instructor says as possible? Do you tend to take only a few notes? Do you often find you need more time to get things down?

  1. Overall, how effective would you say your note-taking techniques are?
  2. In which classes do your techniques work best? Worst? Why?
  3. Do your notes ever have "holes" in them - due to lapses of attention or times when you couldn't get
    down everything you wanted to? When do you usually discover them? What do you do about them?

Full Answer Section

       
  • Overall, I'd rate my note-taking effectiveness as generally good, but with room for improvement. It's a process I've refined over time, but I still occasionally struggle with balancing thoroughness and conciseness. I'm generally able to capture the essence of lectures and discussions, which helps with studying and review.

  • My techniques work best in classes that are conceptually driven, like history, literature, or social sciences. In these subjects, the focus is on understanding complex ideas and making connections between them, which aligns well with my emphasis on capturing key concepts and summarizing in my own words. They work less effectively in highly technical or detail-oriented classes, such as mathematics or chemistry, where precise notation and formulas are essential. In those classes, I sometimes struggle to keep up with the rapid pace of instruction and the need to record specific details accurately.

  • Yes, my notes definitely have "holes" at times. These gaps usually occur when I've momentarily lost focus, when the instructor has spoken very quickly, or when a complex concept has been introduced and I'm still trying to process it. I typically discover these holes when I'm reviewing my notes shortly after class or when I'm studying for an exam. To fill them in, I consult the textbook, refer to online resources, ask classmates for clarification, or, if necessary, approach the instructor during office hours. I've also started recording lectures (with permission, of course) as a backup, which can be invaluable for filling in those gaps and ensuring I haven't missed any crucial information.

Sample Answer

        My note-taking typically involves a combination of strategies. I don't aim to transcribe everything verbatim, as that's often inefficient and distracts from active listening. Instead, I focus on capturing key concepts, main ideas, supporting details, and examples. I use abbreviations, symbols, and mind maps to condense information and visually organize the material. I also try to paraphrase and summarize in my own words, which helps with understanding and retention. I often find myself needing a bit more time to process and organize my notes after class.