Note Taking

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I am looking for people to share how they take notes and how effective it's been. I am looking to explore a few different ways to take notes for this upcoming semester.

Thanks

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Specializes in Critical Care, Clinical Documentation Specialist.

I picked up a book called 'Effective Study Skills' by James Semones. Part of what is discussed is note taking. I am doing all my pre-reqs online and so don't have to take lecture notes, I do however make full notes from my text. For this semester I decided to highlight in my text and according to ESS, you should only have about 10% of the page highlighted, which should be the core material.

I then go back and make notes using the 'Cornell Method' - you can find tons of info online about it. I found using this method I have cut my notes from 24+ pages to about 12-14. I am a visual learned, so I also use different colored pens in my notes, it helps me to visually split the page up.

I could go on and on about notes and studying techniques, but you really should look into this book, I bought it for my daughter and am going to have to buy her another one because I won't let this one leave my side. Oh, I got an A in my Eng & Bio class from last semester without the book, my note taking was, however, very similar. I am taking Chem, A&PI and Dietary Nutrition next semester.

Good Luck!!

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The way that I take notes is totally dependant on the subject and the professor teaching. For my A&P class I took notes based on the book and then highlighted the stuff my professor went over in class. This was basically because we went so fast this is the only way I was sure to get everything down.

For my chem class I wrote down most of what was on the professor's powerpoint and highlighted or starred anything that was said twice or she specifically said was going to be on the test.

Otherwise, If given an outline before the chapter I would make my notes directly on the outline being sure to write anything that was emphasised. If I was not given one I would write down anything put on the board and maybe some other emphasised points to each heading.

I try to keep it in an outline style that is easy to decipher. I hope this helped a little. I really adjust my note taking style to the class that I am in. It seems to be working because so far I have a 4.0.

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I then go back and make notes using the 'Cornell Method' - you can find tons of info online about it.

Good Luck!!

I am starting my pre reqs this spring and researched this cornell method. I have several PDF information on the cornell method. If anyone would like a copy of the cornell information I have, drop me an im with email addy or if there is a way I can put them on all nurses for everyone just let me know.

Dan

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Nevermind I figured it out. Here is all the information that I have gathered on the cornell method and note taking in general. disregard previous post.

Dan

cornell_note_taking.doc

CornellNotesGraph.pdf

CornellNoteSystem.pdf

CornelNotesPlain.pdf

taking_notes.doc

taking_notes_for_others.doc

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Specializes in Critical Care, Clinical Documentation Specialist.

I have attached the file I use for my pages. I like it has the holes marked, lol. Thanks for the great files SeaOtter!

Cornell Notes Template 2.doc

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Specializes in SNU/SNF/MedSurg, SPCU Ortho/Neuro/Spine.

I voice record the lecture (darn my recorder is gone!!!! it was too old, will get another one)- even though i don't listen to it everyday, i will listen to a lecture that i could not quite understand the whole thing!

then i type my notes, whatever is important, whatever is stressed, or written in the board!

then i will organize it, print it (cornell style) and save it on a folder, and will review it right after class, and again before the class starts on the next day!!!

that saves me a whole lot of time, so i can skim the next chapter/lecure!

i do all the homework i can in my desk, after class, because the info is still VERY fresh, and that cuts a lot of homework time! plus it helps me reasure a subject!

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Specializes in Emergency/Cath Lab.

To me it depends on what kind of learner you are. Me and my best friend who are in the program learn entirely different ways and our notes reflect that. She does the whole voice record, type notes etc etc.

Me, I just pay really good attention in class, print off the notes before hand, read those, and then write my own notes next to those to help clarify anything that does no make sense to me. By 'dumbing' it down to my own terms, it clicks easier in my head. It also helps for when i go back to studying, im not lost on the notes.

We are both A students in those classes.

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