Note-taking is one of the most important skills in the productivity of students since it directly influences their understanding, retention and review of information. A lot of students put down notes without consideration to order and intent. The result of this is usually sloppy, partial or unclear notes that cannot be easily studied at later stages. Note-taking does not require one to write everything that is said. It involves locating some significant ideas, tabulating them effectively and capturing them in a manner that makes sense to the learner. In cases where there are well organized notes, studying becomes easier, quicker, and much less stressful.

The study of the aim of note-taking enhances the way students go about the process. Notes are not intended to impress others and look good. They are an individual study and aid in thinking and understanding. Notes assist the students in jotting down ideas in class, thinking over information, and storing it to be read later. Note-taking during the process would enhance better-level interaction with the topic and increase the retention rate.

The decision of the same note taking style assists in order and clarity. There are those students who like step-by-step outlines that have headings and subheadings. Other people like bullet points, diagrams or concept maps. The style that is used is not so important as long as the same method is done consistently. Regularity aids to the brain to identify patterns that are easier to review. The same structure eliminates confusion and hastens revision. Some may change styles too frequently, which might complicate the process of note following.

Listening to note-taking is necessary to grasp the main ideas. Not all sentences uttered by a teacher are very crucial. It is common to repeat key ideas, underline them, put them on the board or to illustrate them with examples. When students learn how to identify these signals, they would be able to know what they are expected to write down. It is essential to write only important points thus avoiding overloading and narrowing notes. Critical writing makes the writing more understandable and less cluttered.

It is better to categorize notes into paragraphs. The information is easier to find in the future as it is divided into content, heading or idea. There is no confusion caused by clear segregation of ideas. Visual structure can be done using spacing, underlining or plain headings. The organized notes save time in the process of revision and also lead to less frustration. It is also easier to relate related ideas because of the good organization.

The plain and straightforward language enhances understanding. It is not necessary that notes have to be in long sentences. Sometimes short phrases, keywords, symbols, and abbreviations are enough. Minimization makes notes clear and simple to go through. Complex sentences slow down taking of notes and decreases concentration. Bright notes facilitate easy comprehension.

A summary of the notes shortly after the lesson reinforces the memory and knowledge. The fast reading process can be useful in revealing the gaps and poor areas as the material is still new. It is good to add small clarifications when going through by adding accuracy. Frequent examination eliminates the accumulation of misunderstanding and lessens test anxiety. Even some minutes of studying are not in vain.

Notes are also useful because they are updated once the understanding is enhanced. The earlier notes can be understood as the students get to know more about a subject. It is better to add examples, diagrams, or short explanations to make it more profound. Notes evolve with learning. Carefully kept notes can be a good source of study.

Properly written notes lead to improved understanding, improved memory, effective examination, and improved performance in examinations.