How To Take Notes From a Textbook | Reese Regan, by Reese Regan on YouTube. 10 min 43 s.
- Video length
- 10 min 43 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Skim the chapter first. Read the headings, subheadings, bold words and the summary at the end so you know what the chapter covers before you start writing.
Turn each heading into a question in your notebook. Leave a few lines under each question for the answer you will find while reading.
Read one section at a time and stop at the end of it. Close the book for a moment and write the main idea in your own words.
Pull out only the key facts, dates, definitions and formulas. Skip examples and stories unless they explain a concept you find hard.
Use short bullet points and abbreviations you understand. Keep one idea per line so the notes are easy to scan later.
Mark anything confusing with a question mark or a sticky note. Look it up or ask your teacher rather than guessing.
Write a two or three sentence summary of the chapter at the top or bottom of your notes. This forces you to condense what you learned.
Review your notes the next day and fill any gaps from memory first, then check the textbook. Repeat once more before a test.
Tips and common mistakes
Do not copy sentences word for word. Rewriting in your own words is what makes the information stick.
Keep one notebook or folder per subject so you can find notes quickly before exams.
If a section feels too dense, break it into smaller chunks and take a short break between them.
Questions
Should I highlight the textbook or write notes?
Writing notes in your own words works better for memory than highlighting, which can become passive. Use highlighting only to mark a few key terms you want to find again.
How long should notes for one chapter be?
Aim for about one page per major section, not a full copy of the chapter. Shorter notes are easier to review and force you to pick out what matters.
What if I do not understand the chapter?
Note the parts you do understand and mark the rest with a question. Ask your teacher or check a second source before the next class.
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.
