Students: How to Take Notes to Retain Information Better



There is a huge amount of information taught at universities and educational institutions. The main responsibility of the student is to retain this valuable information and use it effectively. When there are exams to take or jobs to apply for, the information taught is crucial to remember. Students have been taking notes the traditional way for centuries to help integrate information. However, today there are modern techniques students can use while taking notes to retain more information than ever before. The tips and techniques described below are known to enhance any student’s note-taking abilities.

1. Decide what information is most important.

Instructors usually have a significant amount of information to disseminate. This information is usually presented to students through lectures and/or class discussions. Additionally, the instructor will rarely pause or stop the lecture because of time constraints. In order to take notes effectively, the student has to choose what bits of information are critical to the lesson.

You will not retain much information if you write down every word that the instructor says. In fact, this overload of information will negatively impact your information retention ability. Stay engaged with the instructor and write notes about the main points of the lecture.

2. Use words that you can best understand.

If you are taking notes from a textbook, do not copy exactly what the author has written word for word. Instead, paraphrase, summarize, or write about the information in simple terms you understand. You are the one reviewing the notes, so they should be in a language that you can easily comprehend. Do not worry about grammar, and feel free to use meaningful abbreviations and symbols.

3. When in doubt, sketch it out.

Drawing and making sketches instead of writing words can be a useful note-taking method. It is efficient, as sketches can be drawn just as fast as writing words. Many students learn better in a visual context. Using visuals within your notes may help you remember information more effectively. Draw images around your notes that are designed to help you grasp a concept. These sketches will lock the lessons you took notes about into your brain.

4. Review frequently and color code your notes.

Repetition is key. Review your notes consistently so you can retain the information you recorded. Before an examination or job interview, it is wise to study notes over a long period of time. Cramming your brain with information the night before usually does not end well. Use a colored highlighter while reviewing your notes. Highlight concepts that seem to be central points to the lesson. You can also highlight concepts that you do not fully understand. This is something you should do after initial note-taking to get a gauge of how much information you have retained.

5. Write notes using a digital tool.

Traditional note-taking involves a pen and paper. The traditional way assumes all students have legible handwriting and organizational skills. This is not the case. Being able to read and understand your notes is critical to information retention. Try out a digital tool that allows you to type out and organize your notes clearly. There are plenty of note-taking apps and softwares designed for students.

The Lightmap app is one of the most effective note-taking apps for students to use. It is widely known as the modern way to manage your ideas. Lightmap has helped thousands of students retain information efficiently and succeed both academically and professionally. Visit the Lightmap website and sign up for free today!