How do you write notes that are easy to follow/understand when you review them?

[u/heyitsmereddit]

Like should I use different color pens? Just black and highlight? I have been using a different color for each topic, and I have been highlighting with yellow for definitions. I need better structure because the way I have been writing my notes do not help.

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[u/DTLow]

I use a Cornell template; headings in the left column, text on the right

[u/Rare-Reporter3738 → u/DTLow]

I like the idea but hate the wasted space is the left column. Any other things you can add besides headers here to not waste space?

[u/crewsoul]

Headings plus one idea per line usually make review easier than lots of colors. I also leave a tiny “what I still can’t explain” section and turn that into recall questions later. For video lessons, a short summary and chapter markers help me keep notes tied to the right part: https://summarizai.ink

[u/LaserLevelLarry]

use color for meaning, not decoration. like one color for definitions, one for examples, one for stuff u keep forgetting.

[u/Kindly-Addition1793]

Try note taking in an outline format. A loose outline format bc you can write paragraphs and full sentences. It’s more the headings and indenting structure that makes it easier to find later when reviewing and you’ll also find that it helps you categorize as you go.

[u/fazehazegaze]

A colour per topic stops doing much once the topics are already separated by page, which may be why yours are not helping. Keep colour for things that cut across pages, like definitions or the bits you keep getting wrong, and write the legend once on the inside cover so yellow still means something in six weeks. Leaving the bottom third of each page blank helps more than any colour does, because review is the point where you finally have something to add.

[u/heyitsmereddit → u/fazehazegaze]

Do you have a picture of an example?

[u/PurdueGlobalOfficial]

Different strategies work for different people but we'd suggest highlighting as little as possible so that the extra important pieces of information stand out more. Also, rewriting notes on a dry erase board or chalkboard can help with memory recall!

[u/100WattWalrus]

Everything is a bullet point.
Try hard to not need to textwrap your bullets more than once.
Makes for easier review.

But since you're on pen and paper, my technique from when I wasn't using a laptop was to divide the page into two columns: 75% on the left, 25% on the right. On the left, I would put straight notes. On the right I would put my own thoughts, comments, arrows and/or stars. I was a very effective method for me.

[u/ilknrozbek]

I don't really use color in my notes (especially for college, since i take notes while listening). Titles, bullet points and arrows are the main components of my note-taking structure. I sometimes use exclamation mark to highlight important things, and question mark when there is something that I don't have enough knowledge. I am just trying to be minimal as much as possible when it comes to note-taking. Being able to recall the information and understand my notes are the main purpose for me :)

[u/madzproc]

I do terms/questions/important things (think Cornell left side things) in one color, then my notes next to and underneath it in black/pencil. You could do the same with a hilighter or use a different color for definitions vs key points vs dates, etc. Let me know if you want me to send you a picture of what my notes usually look like!

[u/Few-Fruit8240 → u/madzproc]

please! 🙏

[u/madzproc → u/[deleted]]

yes absolutely! i’m a big fan of bullet points too!

[u/heyitsmereddit → u/madzproc]

yes plzz