ELISE | Informing your studies: Note-taking

You will need to develop good note-taking skills when attending lectures and while reading for assignments. The UNSW website has information on Effective Reading and Note-taking and Listening and Note-taking strategies. There are also practical techniques and tips for note-taking.

Some points to remember include:

• use your own words to identify the key points

• use headings to structure your notes

• devise your own abbreviations and symbols to save time

• use visual cues to help you remember, e.g. diagrams, graphs, pictures

• record key points your lecturer writes on the board or presents in PowerPoint or overhead slides

• read and revise your notes as soon as possible after class 

  The Academic skills and support website has tips on note-taking using electronic devices