5 Scientifically Proven Note-Taking Tips to Help Take Your Notes to The Next Level

Note taking is an extremely valuable ability throughout high school. From formulas in math to dates in history, remembering information is crucial for that A+ on your finals. But how do you take notes? Should you just jot down everything using your pencil, or use 15 different colored highlighters? Studies show you shouldn't do either of those. Here are 5 scientifically proven note-taking tips to help take your notes to the next level.


Don't write in black ink
We see black ink everywhere- from books to the fonts on our phones and computers. Because of that, our brains tend to not remember things written in black ink as much, as its become ‘background noise’ of a sort- not anything worth remembering. Studies show that writing in other colors, such as red or blue, enhances your memory, which is a huge help for remembering dates or formulas.



Don't color code too much
While color can be great, too much of it can be distracting. Try keeping the amount of colors you use to a minimum, and use each one for a specific purpose- no exceptions. Try highlighting and color coding after you're done taking notes with your pen so it doesn't slow you down. Looking over them while you're color coding them can be a great way to review as well.




Don't write down everything the teacher says
Taking in-depth notes is important, but writing down absolutely everything your lecturer is saying will slow you down. Try taking quick bullet points of the most important things in your own words. Listen for the phrases: “The most important…” and “This will be on your test”



Dont focus too much on spelling/full words
Use abbreviations, symbols, whatever you need to take notes quicker so long as you understand it. Your notes should be understandable to you, not necessarily everyone else. Making that grammatical error or spelling mistake is fine. At the end of the day, its the information that matters the most.


Be consistent
Take notes throughout the whole lecture, not just the first part. It may get tiring or boring, but at the end of the day, it'll help you when you need to study.




Citations:

Tanudjaja, Tivara. “Can The Color Blue Really Make You Memorize Better?” PARAMA SUTEJA, 8 June 2022, www.paramasuteja.com/articles/ws7vafedvqh5axv1aejkavkespki50. Accessed 31 Aug. 2024.


2019, Revised Edition July. “Top Ten Tips on Note-Taking - Jobs.Ac.Uk.” Career, 1 July 2024, career-advice.jobs.ac.uk/career-development/top-ten-tips-on-note-taking/. Accessed 31 Aug. 2024.

study.com/blog/5-tips-for-color-coding-your-notes.html#:~:text=In%20the%20same%20way%2C%20too,you%20in%20the%20right%20direction. Accessed 31 Aug. 2024.