How to annotate a textbook and take notes. #Notetaking #Annotating #Reading #college, by Toby Joshua Ph.D. on YouTube. 1 min 37 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 37 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 7
What you need
Steps
Skim the chapter first. Read the headings, bold terms, summaries and any questions at the end so you know what matters before you start marking.
Set a simple marking key. For example, underline main ideas, circle key terms, put a star next to examples and a question mark beside anything unclear.
Read one section at a time and annotate as you go. Keep marks light and few, so the page stays readable when you review.
Write short margin notes in your own words. Summarise a paragraph in a few words or note why the point matters.
Flag anything you do not understand with a question mark or sticky note instead of stopping. Look it up after the section.
Turn your annotations into notes after each section. Write the main idea, supporting points and any questions in your notebook or notes app.
Review your notes within a day. Rewrite or reorganise anything unclear, then use the notes to quiz yourself on the key points.
Tips and common mistakes
Do not highlight whole paragraphs. Marking too much makes it hard to find the important parts later.
Use only one or two highlighter colours so the marks keep meaning.
Write margin notes in your own words. Copying the text word for word does not help you learn it.
If the book is rented or borrowed, use sticky notes and flags instead of writing in it.
Questions
Should I highlight or write notes?
Both work, but short margin notes in your own words usually help more than highlighting alone. Use highlighting only for the few lines you will come back to.
How much should I annotate?
Aim for a few marks per page. If most of the page is covered, you are marking too much and the notes lose their value.
What if I cannot write in the textbook?
Use sticky notes, flags and a separate notebook. Write the page number next to each note so you can find it again.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
