Tips for taking better notes (and how NOT to!), by Brainscape on YouTube. 5 min 48 s.
- Video length
- 5 min 48 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Before class, skim the assigned reading or syllabus section. Write down two or three questions you expect the lecture to answer.
Set up your page with a date, topic title and a narrow margin on the left. Leave space at the bottom for a summary.
During class, write only the main ideas and supporting details in short phrases. Skip full sentences and word-for-word copying.
Use the left margin for keywords and questions that match each block of notes. This makes review faster later.
Mark anything the lecturer repeats or stresses with a star or underline so you know it matters.
Within 48 hours, rewrite each key idea as a question on one side of a flashcard and the answer on the other.
Write a two or three sentence summary at the bottom of your notes in your own words.
Review the new flashcards the next day, then space repeat reviews over the following week.
Tips and common mistakes
Do not try to transcribe the lecture. You will miss the reasoning while your hand is moving.
Turn notes into flashcards the same day if you can. Memory fades fastest in the first 24 hours.
Keep one question per card so you can test each idea cleanly.
If you fall behind in class, leave a gap and fill it from the reading later instead of stopping to catch up.
Questions
How many flashcards should I make from one lecture?
Aim for one card per key idea, often 10 to 20 per lecture. If you have more, you are probably splitting ideas too finely.
Can I take notes on a laptop instead of paper?
Yes. The same rules apply: short phrases, keywords in the margin and a summary at the end. Just avoid typing everything word for word.
What if I miss a class?
Get notes from a classmate and rewrite the key ideas as questions yourself. Rewriting in your own words is what makes the cards useful.
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.
