How I take notes - Tips for neat and efficient note taking | Studytee, by studytee on YouTube. 7 min 18 s.
- Video length
- 7 min 18 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Set up your page with a title and the date at the top. Leave a margin down the left side for keywords and questions you can cover when you revise.
Before class, skim the textbook section and write the main headings on the page. This gives your lecture notes a skeleton to fill in.
During the lecture, write only the key points in your normal pen. Use short phrases instead of full sentences so you can keep up with the speaker.
After class, add the textbook details under the matching headings in a different colour. Now one page holds both sources.
Use a second colour for definitions and a third for examples or formulas. Keep the same colour meaning across all your subjects.
Draw a ruler-straight line under each main heading and box important formulas. Space your lines so the page stays readable.
Write questions or memory triggers on sticky notes and stick them in the margin. Remove them once you can answer without looking.
Review the page within a day and rewrite any messy section. Erasable pens let you fix mistakes without crossing things out.
Tips and common mistakes
Rewrite your notes the same day while the lecture is still fresh, or the gaps stay gaps.
Keep one colour scheme per subject so your brain links the colours to the topic.
Do not copy the textbook word for word. Summarise in your own words to test whether you understood it.
Questions
Do I need special stationery?
No. Grid paper, one fine pen and two coloured pens are enough. Erasable pens help if you hate crossed-out mistakes.
How do I keep up with a fast lecturer?
Write short keywords and leave space between lines. Fill in the detail from the textbook afterwards.
How often should I review my notes?
A quick pass the same day and a longer review before the test works well for most students.
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.
