Efficient and Aesthetic Note Taking

Have you ever wanted to take notes in class that looked good but were easy to understand at the same time? After all, the point of notes are to help you ace the course. It’s not an easy thing to do—especially when no one has the time to rewrite notes and add color to them later. In this post, we’ll delve into how to balance efficiency and organization at the same time.

1. Set a Guide

To achieve consistency in your notes, you should set guides for yourself. For example, when you write a term, remember that for each term, you’ll highlight it. When you write a heading, you’ll underline it. Or, in other words, “style rules” for your notes. This way, your notes look neat and tidy without much extra effort. You can also use various colors for different types of information or to highlight important points—but that’s up to you.

2. Abbreviations

Time is of the essence during a lecture. You have to remember that your notes are solely for yourself and aren’t for a showcase. It’s crucial to develop a set of abbreviations and symbols to speed up your note-taking. For instance, “w/“ can be used for “with,” and “b/c” for “because.” This doesn’t go for just words either; use arrows, stars, and other symbols to indicate key information and emphasize important points. Thank me later when you realize how many precious minutes you’ll be saving.

3. Keep it Simple

While aesthetics may be important, it’s essential not to go overboard. Simplicity is key to efficient note-taking. Avoid cluttering the pages with excessive decoration since it only makes for distractions. Stick to a clean, legible guideline. Another tip: if your professor or teacher often presents slideshows with notes, try your best not to copy them word for word. Read them first, and then break them down into what you know you’ll understand. The last thing you want is to review your notes later and not know what anything means.

4. Stay Engaged

Lastly, remember that the most beautiful notes won’t help if you’re not actively engaged in the class. Pay attention and interact with the material. Ask questions on what you may be curious about, and make sure to jot it down. Your level of engagement plays a big role in the quality of your notes.

In conclusion, taking efficient and aesthetically pleasing notes is a skill that takes time to develop. You must find the right balance between style and substance. Remember, the ultimate goal is not just to impress with your notes’ appearance but to have them serve as valuable study guides. I find reviewing more fun with a bit of color!