Simple Tips for Taking Better Notes, by The Math Sorcerer on YouTube. 2 min 41 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 41 s
- Time to do it
- 15 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Before class, skim the assigned reading and write down two or three questions you want answered.
Start a fresh page with the date, the course name and the lecture topic at the top.
Write the main ideas and examples in your own words instead of copying every sentence the speaker says.
Leave a wide margin down one side of the page for questions, keywords and things to look up later.
Use short forms and symbols for words that come up often, such as an arrow for leads to or w/ for with.
When the speaker repeats a point or says it is important, mark that line with a star so it stands out.
Copy any worked example in full, then add one line under it explaining why each step works.
Within 24 hours, read the notes and fill the gaps while the class is still fresh in your head.
Turn each heading into a question and answer it from memory, checking your notes only when you get stuck.
Tips and common mistakes
If you fall behind, leave a gap and keep listening, then borrow a classmate's notes to fill it in.
Handwriting slows you down enough to think about what matters, but typing is fine if you can keep up.
Do not highlight whole pages; pick one or two key lines per page so the marks mean something.
Keep one notebook or folder per subject so pages do not get mixed up or lost.
Questions
Should I write notes by hand or type them?
Both work. Handwriting makes it harder to copy word for word, which forces you to summarise. Type if the speaker is fast or if you need searchable notes.
What if the lecturer talks too fast to keep up?
Write keywords and short phrases rather than full sentences, and leave space between points. You can rebuild the detail during your review the same day.
How long should the review take?
About 10 to 15 minutes per lecture is enough. Do it the same day, then again briefly before the next class on that topic.
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.
