Misc.

The Best Way To Take Notes and Retain Information

Many students only know of one way to take notes:  an informal outline designed any way they want.  They also know of one way to study:  a day or two before an exam (ouch!).  As for notes, most of the time they are not typed up, making it possible for students to be unable to read their own notes.  A well-researched way of taking notes that has been proven to be effective is the Question System.

It really began in the 1940s by a man named Frank Robinson during WWII as part of a complete study system known as the SQ3R (a fourth R has since been added to make it currently the SQ4R).  This study system was designed so men could complete their coursework in half of a semester so they could enlist in the army.  It was proven to be effective and has since been adopted as a great way to study and to retain information long-term. The Q in the SQ4R means to write down questions as you read.  But, the Question System on its own is highly effective for notes and for studying.

Here is how it works during class to take good notes:

  • Before class, divide your paper into two columns.
  • The left side is where you write questions and the right side is where you write your answers.
  • During class, take notes on the lecture.
  • Then, after class, create questions that your notes answer.
  • These questions become your study guides throughout the semester.
  • Finally, every day, review these notes and quiz yourself by going through each question and saying the answers out loud.

Here is how it works when you are studying outside of class:

  • Whatever material you are reading, skim it first.
  • Conduct a survey of the entire chapter or article by just reading the headings and skimming over the paragraphs.
  • Then, in your notes, use the headings of the chapter and turn them into questions.  For example, if the first heading of a chapter is titled “The Three Types of Goals”, you could turn that heading into this question:  “What are the three types of goals?”
  • Next, you read that section to find the answer.
  • Say the answer out loud first so it sounds right to you.
  • If it does, write down the answer.
  • Be sure to write the answer in your own words and not the authors, as you don’t talk like the author.

For every chapter or article that you read, try to come up with at least 10-20 good questions and write them down, along with your answers.  Then, every day, quiz yourself by asking the questions and covering up the answers.
Doing this type of studying and reviewing every day will allow you to be more than prepared for a midterm or a final exam.  In fact, if you review every day like this you may not even have to study for an exam!

Think about it:  would you rather study for a handful of hours a day or two before an exam and risk failing it, or would you rather spend 5-10 minutes studying every day and not have to cram the night before, thus giving you the best opportunity to earn an A on that exam?

I hope you choose studying a little bit every day than a lot for two days! You might remember the information for the exam (but you most likely won’t), but you will lose it quickly, which is not a good way to prepare you for your future career.

Use this system to take good notes AND to study your best.