College Note-Taking System

Having cohesive and effective notes is one of the key skills I think one should have, especially in an academic setting. When you’re receiving a ton of information each day, you want to be able to keep track of that and remember what you’ve learned. I’m constantly trying out ways to make my note-taking more effective and tailored to my needs. Here’s what my note-taking system looks like so far.

Quick note: click on the images for better quality!

Class Notes

Taking notes in class is an invaluable way to keep track of the new knowledge you’ve gained. However, depending on the mode in which the lecture material is conveyed, I take my notes differently. Here’s a summary of how I take my notes for each type of lecture, as well as some examples from the classes I’m taking now.

Slides (e.g. Macroeconomics)

Macroeconomics is a class in which you should be able to intuitively understand a lot of concepts but also remember a lot of things. Because of this, I’ve tailored my note-taking method and habits to achieve that goal.

I write my notes by hand because handwriting is more effective in committing things to memory.

As for what I actually do - and this is what I’ve done for other classes in which the professor/lecturer uses slides:

Read/skim over the slide.

Read each bullet point as the professor goes through them.

Copy it down if it’s straightforward or write it down in a structure and diction that I understand better (not necessarily in my own words - sometimes it’s just restructuring, e.g. splitting things up or joining different bullet points together).

Take note of any other important details the professor says about any particular point unless I think it’s intuitive or common sense.

Here’s an example from a Macroeconomics lecture.

Oral Presentation (e.g. Anthropology)

During classes in which the professor just speaks and doesn’t use much visual material, I listen before I write instead of attempting to write down every single detail mentioned.

Also, I type up my notes instead of handwriting them since the exams are all open-book so I don’t really have to commit things to memory.

Here’s what I do:

Listen for a cue that tells you what this particular part of the lecture will be about (and write it as a heading).

Write down main ideas and their supporting facts/details. If the facts/details come before the main ideas, then I’d usually draw an arrow.

Write down ideas and details from readings in their own section/subsection.

Sometimes, my professor also shows short clips in class, in which case I’d write down the message that I think the clip was meant to convey, as well as things that the professor points out that I didn’t think of on my own.

I’d also look up concepts/ideas/people/events (in real time) that are important to my understanding of the lecture material.

Here’s an example of a Google Docs document from an Anthropology lecture.

Demonstrations and Sample Problems (e.g. Computer Science)

Classes in which the lecture is mainly going through demos and problems are kind of tricky, because you want to know and understand what the professor is doing, but you also don’t want to be writing down every single step that’s being executed. Here’s what I’ve found to be the most effective so far:

If there are any, I import the slides/handout onto OneNote and annotate directly on the slide. If not, I just write down things like definitions, important concepts, and syntax-related things.

I focus on understanding what the professor’s doing with the demo or problem.

I then summarize the steps they took and

Write down comments and points they brought up, e.g. common errors, desirable habits/practices.

Also, these kinds of classes are usually classes in which you’d learn better when you actually do problems yourself, so I definitely learn more when I do assignments and labs than when I’m in class.

Here’s an example from a Web Programming lecture.

Here’s one from an Object Oriented Programming and Data Structures class. I often draw things to help me visualize the general points.

Rewritten Notes

My rewritten notes have definitely changed a lot since high school. Since most of my classes don’t require a lot of memorization, I organize my notes in such a way that they’d be easy to index or find information from. Here are some of the ways I do that:

Establishing a Visual Hierarchy

Having a well-defined hierarchy helps me flow through my notes really well as i read them. It helps me organize information like a mind map without actually making a mind map - I know the big topics and their subtopics and sub-subtopics and details … basically it’s easier to see how these ideas fit together.

But why don’t I just make mind-maps? See, the thing is, a lot of my notes require sequential or linear thinking, e.g. in macroeconomics it might be the sequence of events following a change in the economy, or in computer science it might be a general algorithm for solving a certain type of problem, or it might be proving or deriving a certain equation. These sorts of things just generally don’t work well with mind maps. Instead, establishing a visual hierarchy in my notes helps me organize different ideas while retaining the linear nature of the information.

Here’s what the hierarchy looks like.

Here is an example from my Web Programming class, which is a purely project-based class, so no prelims or exams. As you can see, I draw rectangles around important terminology so that I can easily find them while I’m working on a project. I also include examples from in-class activities as well as notes on syntax so I have an idea of how to implement certain things. These examples and notes are further grouped by terminology/concept.

Structuring Them for Easier Flow

My syllabi for my college courses are nowhere near as detailed as the syllabi for my high school courses - those of you who take/have taken Cambridge exams would know. In college, my syllabi are only lists of topics and not what you’re expected to know for each topic. Because of this, I have to find a way to arrange information so that I can achieve the most comprehensive and cohesive understanding of that topic, i.e. so that the flow of my notes is similar to the flow of my thinking.

For example, in my economics notebook, I like to have the details first (e.g. the separate markets: the goods market, the assets market, and the labor market) and then the big picture later (IS-LM-FE). Some people prefer the other way around - seeing the big picture and then going into the details - which I can understand and have done myself for certain topics.

Making Use of Proximity and Spacing

I very much dislike notes without good use of spacing and grouping things together. Keeping related ideas in visual proximity helps your brain (or at least mine) organize this information. It’s also a lot easier to find things and visualize your notes when they’re not just a huge chunk of text.

One thing I should probably mention is that I don’t use colored pens anymore because it just takes a lot of time to switch pens and think of a color palette. I also don’t have much use for it. In the past, I used color to help me memorize and group things in different categories, but now, I’ve found that there aren’t a whole lot of categories I need to keep track of, and when I do, I can do so with just one pen but changing the style of the text.

And that’s what my note-taking system currently looks like. It’s working well so far, but I still think there are other things I could try out that might be a better fit.

So yeah, hope this was helpful, and as always, feel free to drop an ask if you have any questions, or even if you have any suggestions or would like to share your note-taking system. Have an awesome week!

school mindset

essays - make each essay you write better than the last

  small assignments - aim for 100s, expect 100s, get 100s

  homework - pretend they’re assignments

  homework that’s not graded - pretend! they’re! assignments!

  tests - study for 100s, expect less

  long term projects - act like it’s due in four days -even when it’s not- until you’re done with it

  group projects - do not get angry

  presentations - pretend you’re obama

disclaimer - this works for me, it may not work for everybody, do not push yourself too hard!!

63K notes View Post

charlies-day-off

9 years ago

Yay let’s all be friends who hate our lives and take AP Lit together!

How to apply:

follow me

reblog this

fill out this

track #aplitgroup

What is this?

A group to motivate us bc motivating us can be hard sometimes

and help us learn stuff

yeah u get it

Tags

lit study group

61 notes View Post

charlies-day-off

9 years ago

me when i found out i got into yale me calling my dad to tell him i got into yale

Tags

motivation hello mtv and welcome to my queue This is my favourite studyblr post ever

326K notes View Post

charlies-day-off

5 years ago

302K notes View Post

charlies-day-off

9 years ago

november 23 / i’m starting to make some review sheets since finals are in three weeks.. i’m not crying, you’re crying

Tags

chemistry ffr hello mtv and welcome to my queue

12K notes View Post

charlies-day-off

8 years ago

philosophy resources post

written information

Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy: the philosophy version of Wikipedia, except it’s ok to source it.

Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: if you can decipher some of the more advanced articles it’s a great source of information.

Philosophy Pages: an easier, more summary-like version with Western philosophers.

Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy: articles on most things concerning philosophy.

audio

The Philosopher’s Zone: podcast style, covers countless topics

Philosophy Bites: not as easy to navigate, podcasts cover a lot of things with top philosophers

on writing essays

this site tells you do’s and don’t’s for your paper.

this is the longest and most informative guide on how to write a philosophy essay I’ve ever read. (note: avoid when/if too much info feels almost counter-productive)

this is a neat, clear guide from Harvard on writing philosophy papers.

extra

Why did the chicken cross the road - philosophy style.

7 notes View Post

charlies-day-off

4 years ago

this is a message for everyone who is 22. if you’re 22 please stop worrying. take a deep breath eat a bagel maybe. everything that feels impossible is going to work itself out. have a great day

231K notes View Post

charlies-day-off

9 years ago

Tags

fashion hello mtv and welcome to my queue

114K notes View Post

charlies-day-off

9 years ago

17 Power Snacks For Studying

1. Banana Dog Bites

Here’s a reason to get excited about a classic-old combo: bananas — a darling energy-boosting carbohydrate — wrapped in wheat tortillas and peanut butter. Recipe here.

2. Mason Jar Hummus and Veggies

Mason jar fanatic or not, you can’t deny that this method syncs with gravity: It’s a mess-free way to transport your high-protein hummus and veggies in one container. Hummus recipe here.

3. Apple Sandwiches with Almond Butter and Granola

You’re already carrying a backpack full of heavy books — the last thing you need is a load of bulky snacks. These sandwiches, already compact and ready to go, solve the problem. Recipe here.

4. Frozen Yogurt-Covered Blueberries

Like bite-size frozen Go-Gurt with real fruit! Just coat fresh blueberries with yogurt and freeze. Full directions here.

5. Roasted Chickpeas

Roast them in the oven for 45–60 minutes — just enough time to get through a chapter of notes — then select your seasoning, eat, and charge up for the next chapter. Recipes here.

6. Chocolate Avocado Pudding

Good chocolate? Boosts energy levels. Tricking yourself into eating healthy chocolate pudding? Boosts endorphins levels. Recipe here.

7. Multigrain Flatbread Cracker Snacks

Lightly spread goat cheese on a flatbread cracker and top with almonds, dates, and a drizzle of honey. Or sprinkle feta cheese over tomato slices. Or…you have seven more options. Recipes here.

8. Blueberry Yogurt Parfait with Granola

The timeless healthy snack. Let frozen blueberries thaw in yogurt. Then top with crunchy granola. Recipe here.

9. Peanut Butter Honey Yogurt Dip with Apples

Apples and Greek yogurt fortified with peanut butter is a power couple snack. AND you should use the apple slicer you bought but are always too lazy to pull out — because right now you need a reason to procrastinate. Recipe here.

10. Avocado Toast

One of those simple recipes with an output greater than the input. Smash some avocados on whole grain bread, drizzle with olive oil, and season. Recipe here.

11. Steamed Broccoli with Miso Peanut Butter Sauce

A NEW SIMPLE WAY TO EAT BROCCOLI? Yes. Steam and eat with a five-ingredient dip: miso, peanut butter, rice vinegar, mirin, and sesame oil. Make the sauce in bulk ahead of time and keep in the fridge. That way you get several snack/study seshes out of it and you don’t have to eat boring broccoli just because you’re under pressure. Recipe here.

12. Toasted Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are loaded with zinc and boost memory. Might give you a slightadvantage if you’re cramming for a test, but no promises. Recipe here.

13. Spicy Sriracha Popcorn

WARINING: This is addictive. Just melt butter and stir in sriracha. Then drizzle over popcorn and toss. You’ll be set for every munchies moment coming your way till school’s out. Recipe here.

14. Chia Yogurt Power Bowl

If you haven’t met chia seeds yet, meet the superfood extraordinaire. In good company with bananas, berries, and nuts, this yogurt instantly powers you up. Recipe here.

15. Cheese Cucumber Sandwiches

Curb your carb intake by eating cheese with crunchy cucumbers instead of crackers. This way you also don’t have to worry about (clumsy you) dusting off crumbs from your lap, desk, books — you get the picture. Full details here.

16. Healthy Five-Ingredient Granola Bar

Oats + almonds + dates + peanut butter + honey = a compact healthy way to get your nuts, fiber, and sugar boost. Recipe here.

17. Nutella Energy Bites

Gain energy via oats, shredded coconut, honey-roasted hazelnuts, ground flaxseeds, and chia seeds. Gain happiness via Nutella. Recipe here.

Tags

food hello mtv and welcome to my queue

419 notes View Post

charlies-day-off

4 years ago

Executive Dysfunction & ADHD study tips! 😙 🌷 😘

I’ve collected study tips from myself and others who struggle with studying. Here’s a masterlist of strategies people use to help :) For those curious, #3 is my personal favourite and is probably the main reason I didn’t flunk all of my classes this year. Feel free to add your own!

Sleep, eat, exercise. The basics. Treating my body right helps me keep a routine and makes me less prone to impulsivity. This makes it a little easier for me to do the things I need to do and fight back my executive dysfunction.

Play idle games while working. Anonymous says “I get bored very, very quickly and need constant stimulation, so every time I have to wait for something, I will immediately divert my attention. Having an idle game running helps me not to lose too much focus, so I get more work done as a result.”

Use a tutor. Since I can’t follow self-imposed deadlines, I create external deadlines by booking tutoring appointments. This forces me to make sure I have at least a basic understand of the material before the session so I know what to go over. Most schools have free peer tutors available, so take advantage (if your school doesn’t, try a study group)! This is a great way to create deadlines you can follow, and it always helps to study with someone who can answer your questions and keep you on task.

Play music. @luminarily says “Sometimes I sit in silence and I get bored of it or I get a song stuck in my head or something. But I have forcibly linked music playlist and actually doing something I need to do so that when I put on music I am automatically forced to do the work I was supposed to do. So it makes the work and the listening more enjoyable both and it’s easier to stay on task… I use unpaid youtube on my phone so I can’t leave the tab or else I can’t listen to music anymore so I can’t go on my phone. And also youtube mobile lets you set watch time timers, so when my music stops I take a break and don’t burn out!”.

Play ambient noise. Similar to #4. I am not stimulated enough when taking notes, reading textbooks, etc., but listening to music can be too much and makes me stressed. I like to play ambient noise (my personal nerdy fave is Slytherin dormitory ambience on Youtube lol). It’s enough to stimulate my brain, but not overpowering to where I get distracted or stressed.

Block out time to do work. @tidal-rose says “I find it easy to do stuff by saying ‘I’ll do it tomorrow.’ But I don’t mean the procrastinate-y ‘I’ll do it tomorrow,’ I mean plan to do it tomorrow. Set aside a block of time when you are going to do nothing but the task. …I just realized this sounds like such a neurotypical answer oh gosh. It really does work to hack my executive disfunction”

Have a plan. If I don’t have a straightforward + actionable plan for right when I wake up, I will just do literally nothing all day. I have to know what I’m going to be doing when I wake up, like “shower, be at the library by 10am, and do practise problems there”. If I only have a vague plan like “study chemistry tomorrow” it’s a lot harder for me to do anything.

Start small. It often feels impossible to do even the bare minimum. When I can’t even get myself to write a single sentence of my paper, I try to do even less than that. Literally just open up a Word document. Even just opening up a blank page is a fantastic start, and starting is the hardest part.

Change locations. The longer I sit in one space putting off an assignment and stewing there in my anxiety about it, the harder it is to start. So I move. Even if I just go from my desk to the floor. Sometimes this can change my headspace enough to make it easier to do what I need to.

2K notes View Post