Other things I do are take sips of water from time to time - this, to me, is a sort of mini-break where my concentration is reset and means I am focussed on the topic at hand.
Lectures
In lectures, I tend to write in cursive with as many gaps in between new topics as possible but this does fail (as you can probably see below). Bullet points are a feature and I never write in full sentences. The odd diagram makes an appearance, as does the odd doodle (squared paper is perfect for drawing patterns on which can be a distraction in itself!).
Tutorials
In tutorials, I have a bit more time to take notes as they are mainly for consolidating knowledge we already have at a basic level.
The main things I do are:
- use bullet points: these enable me to take notes within overwhelming the paper I'm using. A whole page full of prose can be daunting!
- never write in full sentences (for the same reason as the previous point).
- add in diagrams when appropriate: a picture paints a thousand words and are easier for exam recall.
- underline, draw boxes, highlight things! Draw arrows if necessary too.
- try and have as much white (or blank, if you're a Taylor Swift fan) space as possible.
- write as quickly and as neatly as possible.
In the past, I have tried out the Cornell note taking method but it just didn't work for me, but because I write out my notes in full after the lecture, it doesn't matter too much. I think what I'm trying to say here is that find out what works for you and stick with it!
Sorry this isn't the most informative post but I have exams coming up so it's all about keeping things short and sweet!
No comments
Post a Comment