• To record important information and its source.
• To improve understanding and make links with existing knowledge.
• To gather information for assignments, essays and presentations.
• To help you remember the information.
How to make notes
Always note page numbers, chapters and full bibliographical details for referencing
Don’t write notes on the first reading – gain an overview first and consider a reading technique such as SQ3R
Think about your purpose in reading and only make notes of the information you actually need.
Put information into your own words as this will help you process and remember it better. Or, consider putting it into a different format altogether: mind map, diagram, table etc.
In contrast, copy down quotes word-for-word. Consider colour coding them so you know they are someone else's words.
Use symbols, colour, arrows and boxes to make information stand out.
Abbreviations can help keep notes short and concise. If you use lots, make a key so you remember what they mean.
Leave plenty of space for reviewing and adding. Write on one side or every other line. Consider using the Cornell Technique for this
