NOTE-TAKING STRATEGIES
Taking good notes takes a lot of practice, and can make a difference in your learning
experience. Here are a few things that will quickly improve your note-taking skills!
1. Get Ready
a) For textbook readings
 Read through table of contents, Skim through entire textbook
 Read preface  this will give you an idea of the tone of the textbook
 Read the “Conclusion” or “Summary” at the end of a given chapter
 Go over all charts, tables or graphs as you will be able to get more information in a
condensed way.
 Ask yourself questions about the chapter topics and what you think you will be
reading about
 Turn the chapter titles/headings into questions (Example: “Learning Styles” 
“What are learning styles?”)
b) For lecture notes
 Go over the syllabus before class
 Complete the assigned readings
 Review notes from previous lectures
2. Take notes
a) Basic Strategies
 Record the date, the course/textbook, chapter and page numbers at the top of the
page
 Structure notes based on table of contents of textbook or course outline
 Keep a hierarchy of headings: use letters (A. B. C.), numbers (1. 2. 3.) and roman
numerals (I. II. III.)
 Highlight your notes, using different colours to indicate different heading levels and
important terms
 Keep notes organized by using consistent indentations
 Create abbreveations to save time and be consistent with the use of them
b) Formatting your notes: the Cornell Note-Taking System (5 R’s)
i. Record: in the main column (2/3 of the page), record notes from your textbook
readings or course lecture
ii. Reduce: in the recall column (1/3 of the page), reduce your notes by writing down
the main ideas
iii. Recite: cover the main column, and use what is written in your recall column to help
you recite your notes. Then check if what you recited was correct.
iv. Reflect: reflect on your notes by summarizing them at the bottom of the page
v. Review: spend time every week reviewing your notes
c) Creating a working document: keep track of what you know (lecture notes)
i. Draw a line down the center of your paper to create two columns
ii. While listening to the lecture, write down notes concerning topics you understand in
the left column
iii. Write down notes concerning topics that you do not understand in the right column
(if the course is being recorded while in class, write down the exact time for easy access later)
iv. After class, look in your textbook or other course material specifically for
information about those topics that you do not understand
v. Once you understand this material, transfer these notes into the left column (or
highlight them to indicate that you now know the information)
3. Review
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Review your notes weekly
Relate notes from lectures to textbook notes
Make up your own examples when reviewing your notes
Relate information to things in everyday life
For more information, check out our website: http://www.mcgill.ca/osd/
Prepared by: Amanda Saxe (Learning Resources Intern) & Patricia Diaz del Castillo(Learning Resources Advisor)
McGill Office for Students with Disabilities
Sources:
Academic Skills Center (2001). The cornell note taking system. Retrieved from
www.dartmouth.edu/~acskills/docs/cornell_note_taking.doc
Diaz del Castillo, P. & Pantel, S. (2012). How do I learn best? [Powerpoint Presentation].
Pauk, W. & Owens, R. (2011). How to study in college. (11th ed.). Boston, MA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
Wong, L. (2012). Essential study skills. (7th ed.). Boston, MA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
Make sure to check out:
Diaz del Castillo, P. (2013). Create your own toolbox to manage your academic anxiety. [Powerpoint Presentation].
Diaz del Castillo, P. & Pantel, S. (2012). Work hard, play hard. [Powerpoint Presentation].
Diaz del Castillo, P. & Saxe, A. (2013). Testing made easy. [Powerpoint Presentation].