FREE 10+ Note Taking Samples in PDF

Taking notes is something that has been taught to us ever since we learned how to read and write in elementary school. Without realizing it, writing notes had helped improved our life skills as well as aid us in performing certain tasks not just in university, but in life in general. Taking good notes effectively should not be a tasking activity, however, there are those who still need help in that department. For this article, we will give you the reasons why note-taking is important and how to take notes with efficiency. 

10+ Note Taking Samples

1. Note-taking Techniques

2. Note Taking for Lectures

3. Introduction to Note Taking

4. Five Note Taking Methods

5. Outlining Method for Note Taking

6. Notetaking Methods

7. 3 Stages of Note Taking

8. Note Taking Checklist

9. Types of Note Taking

10. Note Taking Strategies

11. Effective Note Taking

What Is Note Taking?

Note-taking is the act of writing down relevant information or keywords that can be used in data analysis, research, and strategic planning. Note-taking is not just a simple process of jotting down words, but it is also a way to organize essential information useful for various purposes. There are many known benefits that note-taking provides, including the extension of attention span, having the ability to focus clearly, actively increasing memory retention, and many others. 

To take notes, you can either choose to write using pen and paper, type digitally, or record your voice. The three techniques have different advantages which are extremely helpful to any individual. For example, with pen and paper, you can practice taking notes using keywords and phrases to help you get the necessary information about your subject. Plus, you get to practice your ability to speed-write, develop your listening skills, or even improve your handwriting and communication skills. 

These practices do not only help students, but also those who are working in scientific fields, criminal investigation, corporate business, journalism, project development, and so forth.

How to Effectively Take Notes?

It is very common for some people to struggle with a simple task such as writing especially if they have not been practicing this skill from the get-go. But for those who want to start now, here are some simple ways in which you can effectively take notes that you can eventually use and keep for a long period of time.

1. Write Down Phrases

One reason why some people are having a hard time taking notes with much effectiveness is that they tend to write everything down in full sentences. This technique will only burn you out fast. To get the most information out of anything, it is most recommended that you write down phrases, instead of a whole long paragraph. Instead of writing, “There will be consequences if you are late again for work” during a company meeting verbatim, write down “consequences for late arrival.” The key is to write briefly, but precisely. 

2. Use Numbers and Bullets

Another important and effective way to take notes is to include numbers and bullets. Using these elements can help you organize your thoughts, as well as the information doled out to you. Furthermore, the numbers and bullets will help you sort out data from the most essential to the least important ones. 

3. Utilize Highlighters

It might be optional for most, but highlighting your notes is really helpful if you want to memorize important points. If you want to segregate your notes for different subjects, you can use different colored highlighters so you can easily determine them. 

4. Try Different Techniques

There are various note-taking techniques that are available for you to try. So if you think that one technique does not work for you, then you can always do another technique that will suit your writing style, listening skills, and speed. This will also help you explore your note-taking skills and assess them for future improvements. 

Note-taking is an integral part of our lives, even if we have graduated from school and into our working life. Be as effective as any writer would be by learning how to write notes that will become valuable in the future. If you want to learn how to take notes professionally, then we suggest that you choose from our wide array of templates.