How to Take Notes When Reading

Why It Matters?

Textbooks are written in a hierarchical format, and it is necessary to connect your current reading to content you have previously read. Creating meaning across sentences and paragraphs and taking notes on those connections will help you learn the material quickly. Therefore, taking notes when reading to learn is important for several reasons; taking notes helps you organize your thoughts, helps you make connections to previous knowledge, keeps you mentally engaged so you do not drift off task, and serves as a useful tool for future review of the material. 

How do I Take Notes When Reading?

Preview the chapter before you begin reading. Review headings and subheadings. Then do the following:

1. Use headings and subheadings to create an outline for what you will be reading
2. Change headings and subheadings into questions and review tables and charts to note the type of data used to support the topics. This will give you, as the reader, a general idea of what to focus on when you read giving you a direction for what to take notes on. This will also help you create meaningful connections.
3. If the instructor gave you ideas or questions to focus on, write those questions at the top of your notes page. 
4. If there are questions at the end of the chapter, review those before organizing your notes and reading the text. Make note of these topics as you read. If there is new vocabulary, write that information down in your notes.
5. For each subheading, write a summary of the information in your own words and think about how this information will be used in the future. Think about the types of questions you might be asked on an exam about the information. 
6. Once you finish taking notes, make sure to review the notes to ensure that they answer the questions you posed at the beginning.
7. To end, consider comparing your reading notes to your lecture notes. This will help ensure you have covered everything and fill in the gaps. 

When Should I Take Notes?

You should take notes during your reading sessions and regularly review them. This ongoing process helps reinforce learning and ensures you have a comprehensive understanding of the material. If you are able to read about the topic before the lecture or class, make sure to use your reading notes to inform your lecture notes. If you have your lecture before you begin the assigned readings, use your lecture notes to inform your intentions around the readings. 

Action: 

Next time you are taking notes when reading difficult text, consider using the following 4-step process: 

1. Preview and Outline: Scan the chapter and create an outline from headings.
2. Formulate Questions: Turn headings into questions to guide your reading.
3. Summarize and Review: Write summaries for each subheading and review your notes.
4. Compare Notes: Regularly compare reading notes with lecture notes for completeness.

Afterward, reflect on how these activities have deepened your understanding and connection to the material.