Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings
• What do you need

Keeping the correct notes is the key to successful university studies. University records are very different from high school records because, unlike textbook-based teaching, university professors tend to use additional information, especially during lectures. So what do you write and what do you ignore? How can you improve your grade by taking good notes?

Steps

1. 1 Explore your professor's teaching method. For example, if your instructor typically uses PowerPoint presentations but does not follow them word for word, it will be easier to use a schematic notation system or take Cornell notes instead of verbatim rewriting.
2. 2 Use note-taking software. They can be an invaluable organizational tool for successful learning. These programs improve the efficiency of entering notes, as they are equipped with features that no other word processor has. Take Knowledge NoteBook as an example.
3. 3 Use a schematic notation system if your instructor follows the presentation information or substantiates most of the material with PowerPoint. The schematic recording system is very simple, but certain small details are not easy to find. With this note-taking style, you basically rewrite everything in the PowerPoint presentation verbatim, but in outline form (one bullet, then sub, then sub, and so on) and add anything else the instructor said.
4. 4 Take Cornell notes so you can focus on the main points. This system is not suitable for those who rewrite every little detail. It is more intended for those who like to deduce the main meaning of the lecture or if your professor usually goes deeper into the topic. To follow this writing system, take a notebook paper and draw a horizontal line at the top of the paper, then draw a vertical line along the edge of the paper, or a little further if you have large handwriting. Start with the title of your outline using the topic of the lecture. Then write down the main points on the left side of the vertical line and add more details on the right side. Research at Cornell University has shown that this is the most effective abstract writing strategy.
5. 5 You can use different post styles for different subjects. So, for example, use a schematic system for history classes and Cornell's style for psychology lectures.
6. 6 Study the styles of your notes thoroughly so that you can quickly find the location of specific notes in your notes.
7. 7 Review your notes before and after class. It has been proven to improve memory and grades.

Tips

• For those taking notes, the use of abbreviations is recommended. This will speed up the process of getting all the information.
• Reprinting records on electronic devices will help you remember information and will also be useful if you copy it by hand.
• Highlighting and underlining is recommended for main points or information that will be important for an exam or essay.
• If you are using a laptop it is easier to apply a schematic writing system, but Cornell's system is also possible with a pre-made layout.
• If instructors provide copies of their presentations, download them before class, read the information, and take notes in the Slide Notes section of PowerPoint. It depends on the people. Some find it easier to open a new slide instead of using a PowerPoint outline.

Warnings

• Note-taking is different for everyone. Some have a better memory than others and therefore tend to take fewer notes, but this is no reason to take less notes.
• DO NOT rewrite information verbatim from presentations without instructor additions. You cannot get a high score based on presentation alone. A laptop will make it easier to take more detailed notes, so using it is not a reason to relax.

What do you need

• Laptop for writing electronic notes.
• Always keep a pen with plenty of ink or pencil and sharpener ready. You can skip a lot of information when rummaging through your bag to find a new pen or pencil.
• Some students who take notes prefer to cross-reference them for each subject separately. Other students prefer to put sheets in a folder.
• Letter sheet