Taking notes at university is a very positive practice. It is a study technique that improves the understanding of the topics analyzed in class. If you cannot attend a specific session, it is recommended that you refer to another classmate's notes. Nevertheless, reading and review will be easier if you feel familiar with the font and writing. How to take notes in University? We give you five tips:
1. Train and practice
Throughout the course you will be able to observe an evolution in the clarity of the notes. Practice and perseverance are essential to gain speed in writing and exposing ideas.
2. Use abbreviations
It is not a question of applying this criterion to the entire text, since the final result can be very confusing. However, you can use shorter concepts to name those words that are repeated frequently in a subject. It is a practical proposal that, however, is very effective when you want to write down a large amount of information shortly.
3. Contextualize new information
When you take notes throughout the week, and in different subjects, it is important that you maintain the order of the data. For example, at the beginning of a new session you can add the following details to limit the content of the notes. Add the name of the subject, the main topic and the date. These are data that may seem secondary at first, but are very useful in the long term. That is, they are very effective when you review information after several weeks.
4. Write down the gist: focus on the main ideas
When you write notes at university, it is essential that you focus on the essentials. That is, write down the main ideas. The style of the sentences is not so relevant in this process, keep in mind that you do not have the necessary time to dwell on more formal aspects. Nevertheless, that previous base is key to implement other improvements if you want to update the notes, complete the information and correct errors.
5. Ask the teacher if there is something you have not understood well
The habit of taking notes becomes a preparation for the exam. It is a routine that improves the understanding of a topic. Writing practice can also help you identify doubts and questions related to an idea. For this reason, take the initiative to raise that issue, it is likely that other colleagues did not understand the information either.
6. Choose a format that helps you maintain order
Many students prefer to take notes on separate pages that are perfectly structured in a folder. But it is a format that does not suit all people. Other students prefer to take notes in a notebook. This reduces the risk of a page being lost or changing its position in relation to the whole.
7. Be creative in the way you take notes
Taking notes can become a job that is done mechanically. However, it is important that you do not limit yourself to writing what you hear. Do not repeat information verbatim. On the contrary, use your own words to give greater meaning and meaning to the text. This is one of the reasons why, as we have mentioned, it is better to study and review from your own notes. Although at specific times you can borrow the material from a colleague.
How to take notes in college? Review your own notes to become more proficient in the process. For example, identify which factors you want to keep and which details you are going to correct.