Why is note-taking a skill students often overlook, yet it determines their grades?
Many students prioritize reading textbooks before exams but overlook taking notes during class, when in reality, good notes are the most powerful review tool.
Imagine two students attending the same class. One listens attentively but doesn't take any notes, while the other has a clear note-taking system. When it's time for the exam, the one with better notes tends to review less but understands the material better.
This is why: Taking notes in English. It has become one of the essential skills for university studies.
A classic problem that many people encounter is:
- I couldn't keep up.
- Try to write down every word.
- I took a lot of notes, but I don't understand the content.
- I reread it and now I don't remember what I wrote.
In reality, the goal of taking notes is not to capture every word the professor says, but to filter and summarize only the most important points.
When practiced correctly, taking notes can help develop both... Strategies for listening to English. Critical thinking and exam preparation go hand in hand.
Understand before you write: Strategies for comprehending English listening comprehension.
Many people think that note-taking is a writing skill, but it actually starts with listening.
If you can't listen, you won't be able to write it down fast enough.
Signposting (signposting)
Most professors will signal which parts of the content are important, but many people just don't notice.
Examples of phrases you should immediately grab a pen and write down include:
- The key point is…
- This is important.
- There are three reasons…
- To summarize…
- In conclusion…
- Remember that…
- The main takeaway is…
When you hear these terms, prepare yourself immediately, as this is often information highly likely to appear on the exam.
Separate the main idea from the examples and elaborations.
One common mistake is trying to write down everything you hear.
Instead of doing that, practice asking yourself:
“"Is this the main idea, or is it just an example?"”
A good listening sequence is:
- Find the main idea first.
- Save supporting details.
- Skip unnecessary details.
With frequent practice, Listen to and understand English. It will become significantly easier.
4 Popular Note-Taking Systems: Which One is Right for Your Subject?
There is no single best system for everyone. Each subject has different characteristics. Choosing a note-taking method that suits you will help you study more effectively.
Cornell Method
Cornell note-taking is the most popular system in universities worldwide. See the original methodology from its inventor here. Cornell University Learning Strategies Center
Divide the page into three sections.
- Cue Column (Keywords)
- Notes (Main Content)
- Summary (Bottom of page)
The advantage is that it makes reviewing before the exam easy because there's space to ask questions and summarize key points.
Suitable for
- The course has a lot of lecture material.
- Theoretical subjects
- Subjects with a large amount of data.
Outline Method
It is a hierarchical recording.
example
Chapter 1
1.1 Definition
1.2 Types
1.3 Applications
Suitable for subjects with a clear structure, such as:
- economics
- biology
- law
Mind Map
Suitable for people who like to think visually.
Use keywords to connect different ideas.
Suitable for
- Brainstorming
- Subjects that require a big picture perspective.
- Exam preparation
Charting Method
It is recorded in a table format.
example
| Theory | Strength | Weakness |
|---|---|---|
Suitable for subjects with a large amount of comparative data, such as:
- marketing
- history
- political science
A system for abbreviations and symbols; take notes quickly and accurately during every lecture.
Taking lecture notes doesn't require writing down every single word perfectly.
Having your own set of abbreviations can save a lot of time.
Examples of commonly used abbreviations.
- w/ = with
- b/c = because
- eg = for example
- ie = that is
- etc. = and so on
Example symbols
- → = leads to
- ↑ = increase
- ↓ = decrease
- = = Equal to
- ≠ = Not equal
- ? = I still don't understand.
- = Important
Consistency is key.
Don't change the symbols frequently, as it will cause confusion when you reread it later.
Take notes from various sources, not just in the classroom.
University education isn't just about sitting and listening to professors in a classroom. Students also need to read textbooks, watch videos, and conduct a significant amount of independent research.
From a live lecture.
There's no need to write everything down at once. Leave some space to fill in information later.
such as
- Leave a space for words.
- Leave a space for an example.
- Leave a space for a post-lesson summary.
This method will greatly reduce the pressure during your studies.
From textbooks and reading material.
One of the popular techniques is SQ3R.
together with
- Survey
- Question
- Read
- Recite
- Review
This method helps ensure that reading isn't just a quick scan, but rather purposeful reading. For further research skills, please refer to the article. Library Research Mastery is your expert in finding information in English.
Turn your notes into a review tool before the exam.
Many students finish taking notes and immediately close their notebooks, which is a huge missed opportunity. Learning research shows that the brain begins to forget information rapidly within the first 24 hours, so it's best to review it the same day.
Helpful techniques include:
- Highlight key words
- Summary at the end of the page
- Convert notes into flashcards.
- Create questions to test yourself.
The sooner you review something, the longer your brain will remember it.
6 Common Mistakes in Taking Notes in English
Try to write down every word.
Writing down everything makes it difficult to keep up and understand the overall picture. It's better to practice identifying only the main points instead.
No review after school.
Notes that are not reread are practically useless for long-term exam preparation.
The writing in Thai is a mix of languages that's confusing.
Translating back and forth between Thai and English too frequently can be time-consuming and confusing when reviewing.
There is no topic system.
Writing everything together in one lump makes it difficult to find important information. Topics should be clearly divided and prioritized.
The handwriting is beautiful, but it doesn't capture the meaning.
Many people spend too much time decorating their notes, forgetting that the main goal is to understand the content.
No source or reference was provided for the information.
Failing to record the name of the book, the instructor, or the source may make it difficult to retrieve the information later.
Checklist of good notes before closing the notebook.
Before the class ends, check to make sure you have all of these elements.
- The date and topic title are clearly stated.
- Each section has a main idea.
- There are important terms.
- There is space for a summary.
- There are questions for self-reflection.
If all five of these points are met, our notes are ready for exam preparation.
FAQ
Is it better to take notes by hand or type them?
Both methods have their advantages, but handwriting often helps in better retention of information because the brain has to process the information before writing it down.
What should I do if I can't keep up with an English lecture?
Stop trying to write down every word and focus on the main idea, while consistently practicing your English listening skills through online learning videos, such as clips from... BBC Learning English
Should I record the lecture?
It's possible if the university or professor allows it, but you shouldn't rely on recordings to the point of neglecting note-taking during class.
Should I take notes in English or Thai?
If possible, it is advisable to primarily use English, as this will help you become familiar with specialized terminology and reduce translation time in the future.
Start taking professional notes from next class.
Development Taking notes in English. It doesn't come solely from writing faster, but also from practicing listening, filtering, and systematically summarizing information.
The more you practice Cornell note-taking, Regular comprehension and review will significantly make university studies easier.
If you want to develop your skills. University English For more information, you can return to the main article here.
University-level English proficiency: A guide to academic success.
Or, if you would like to practice your skills with an instructor and receive practical feedback, you can find more details here.
