Academic Success Center

Why Take Notes?

Taking quality notes allows you to process and integrate new knowledge, record the information in your own words, and reorganize content in a way that makes sense for your learning style. 

Before Class Preparation

Reading the course-assigned content before class gives you insight into what upcoming lessons may cover. Reading and taking notes on the assigned content can aid you in having meaningful conversations in synchronous class time or asynchronous online discussions. 

Tips:

• Save physical or digital notes in specific folders so you can reference them easily
• Identify and write out themes in the weekly readings as well as questions you can ask your professor and peers

In-Class Note Taking

During class, taking notes helps you better understand main concepts, can help to improve listening skills, and improve recollection of what you are being taught.

Tips: 

• Format your notes in a way that works best for you
• Only write down the most important information such as new terms, main ideas, and examples

After-Class Note Review

Reviewing your notes after class provides you with personalized study materials that can allow you to reconnect with the course goals and objectives. 

Tips:

• Review your notes within 24 hours to maximize information retention
• Add any information you may have missed during class
• Write a short summary of what you learned in class

Note-Taking Software and Templates

Widely used templates can help you organize your notes such as:

• Cornell Notes
• Kanban Board
• Mind-Mapping

Use digital applications to take notes using a computer:

• Microsoft One Note - connects you to your Erikson Office 365 account
• Microsoft Word
• Apple Notes
• Miro
• Notion.so