how to make notes like an Oxford student | learn everything, by The IO PREP on YouTube. 8 min 35 s.
- Video length
- 8 min 35 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Before class, skim the chapter or slides so you know the topic and the main headings. Write down two or three questions you expect the lesson to answer.
Set up your page before the lesson starts. Put the date and topic at the top, and leave a wide margin on one side for keywords and questions.
During class, write in your own words instead of copying slides word for word. Shorten each idea to one line and skip anything you already understand.
Leave a gap after each main idea so you can add detail later. Mark anything confusing with a question mark in the margin.
After class, fill the margin with keywords and questions that match each block of notes. These become your self-test prompts.
Do a deep dive on the confusing parts within a day. Check the textbook or ask your teacher, then add the answer in a different colour.
For revision, cover the notes and answer the margin questions from memory. Only uncover the notes to check your answer.
Review the margin questions again after a few days and a week. Rewrite any answer you got wrong in a single short line.
Tips and common mistakes
Keep one page per topic so you can find things fast during revision.
Write questions in the margin, not statements, so you can test yourself.
Do not highlight whole paragraphs. Highlight only the words you would forget.
If you fall behind in class, stop writing and listen, then fill the gap later.
Questions
Do I need a special notebook?
No. Any notebook or notes app works. The method matters more than the paper.
How long should I spend on notes after class?
About ten to fifteen minutes per lesson is enough to add margin questions and fix the confusing parts.
Does this work for maths and science?
Yes, but add worked examples and formulas in the notes, and use the margin for practice questions.
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.
