Strong notes aren’t just records of what the teacher said—they’re tools for thinking. Students who learn how to take purposeful notes can cut study time in half and boost retention.
Strategies for Success
Instead of writing every word, focus on identifying key ideas and relationships between concepts. Use headings, bullet points, and shorthand to make notes readable and organized. In math or science, work through examples rather than copying final answers—process matters more than the end result.
Review notes within 24 hours while the material is fresh. Add clarifying details, highlight essential points, and jot down any questions to bring up in class or tutoring.
Try out a variety of styles, from Cornell style too outlining and flowcharts, there are many different approaches that students can incorporatae. There is also an argument to digital notes versus hand written ones.
Study Skills
Effective note-taking isn’t about perfect handwriting or pretty colors—it’s about creating a tool that helps you actively engage with the material. Done right, your notes become a personal textbook you can rely on come test day. If note taking is something your student struggles with, it can be important to connect them with a study skills tutor. Study skills covers a variety of skills that ranges from note taking to time management and various executive functioning skills. The AJ approach comes from decades of educational experience combined with the skill set of our professional tutors that is customized to each individual student.
