Good lecture notes:

• Capture main points, helpful details and examples
• Structured strategically to allow for post-lecture annotation as well as later review
• Include pictures and diagrams to illustrate concepts visually
• Include your own questions, observations and other critical thoughts

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To Transcribe or Encode?

• Transcribing: copying the lecture content word for word.
  • This might be good when…?

• Encoding: listening, thinking and writing so as to understand the content.
  • This might be good when…?

• Research studies show that typed notes are more likely to be transcribed, not encoded.  Transcribing is associated with less effective learning, so transcribed notes MUST be encoded after the lecture.
  • Think about annotating your notes after your lecture to get the most from them!

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An effective note-taking flow: When to take Notes

• Before Lecture – From your readings
• During Lecture – Information covered by your teacher and fellow classmates
• After Lecture – Annotate and summarize what you just learned

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Digital vs Handwritten Notes

But how do you choose the best method of note taking for you? Compare these options to see what is the best fit for you!

Digital	Handwritten
Faster than hand-writing	Easier to create diagrams and illustrations
Notes can be synced, copied, backed up, searched	Easier to annotate in the moment
Access to multiple online distractions	Can help with memorization

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If Digital is for you, try these programs or apps for digital notes:

• Word
• Evernote
• Onenote
• Noteability
• Powerpoint
• Penultimate
• Scanbot
• Livescribe Pen

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If Handwritten is for you, try these methods for handwritten notes:

Use document or paper to:

• Write or type important points or passages.
• Generate bulleted lists.
• Create structured outlines with numerals and letters. Summarize sections in your own words.

Cornell Style: Take notes on the right two-thirds of the page. List key words in the left column. Summarize the entire page in the space at the bottom
 

Highlighting Tips

• Only highlight after you've reached the end of a paragraph or a section. This will help you pinpoint key concepts.
• Limit yourself to highlighting one sentence or phrase per paragraph
• It's okay and even preferable to highlight key words and phrases instead of full sentences.
• Consider color-coding: choose one color for definitions and key points and another color for examples.
• Using your own words, write summaries of key concepts in the margins (in pen or pencil).

*Source: The Learning Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill