How do I take good notes in class?

Concerns & risks

You were trying to take notes in class, but when you look back at them later, they're a messy wall of words you can't make sense of.

Notes should help you study.

Causes & evidence

Notes work best when you use them for self-testing later. See effective study techniques.

What to do

1. Write key ideas in your own words.
2. Leave space for questions.
3. Turn notes into quiz questions after class.

Common mistakes: Common mistakes: trying to write down every word the teacher says. Focus on main ideas, examples and anything repeated or written on the board. Leave space to add things later. Within a day, review your notes and turn key points into questions in the margin, then cover the notes and try to answer them. Use abbreviations you'll understand. Compare notes with a classmate to fill gaps. If the class has slides, ask whether they'll be shared so you can focus on listening. Try the Cornell method: divide the page into a notes section, a narrow cue column and a summary at the bottom. Different methods work for different people, so try one for a couple of weeks and adjust.

Speed Man tip: Review within a day.

Wrap-up: Own words. Questions. Review.