
This will help you focus on the main points instead of getting caught up in details. Try reading short sections of your reading (likely a paragraph or two or up to a page) and pausing to think about what you just read-then take notes from your memory of what you just read.Students often miss the opportunity to digest the information from their texts because they’re too busy worrying about taking good notes-instead of actually comprehending the content, they’re thinking more about what they should write down.

Below are some examples to try: Try taking notes from memory You may find that different formats or strategies work better for different types of texts, too, and you may want to use different ones for different classes. The important thing is that you experiment with a few effective strategies, find some that work for you, and use them. There is no one right way to take notes while reading. These will help you decrease the amount of time and energy you spend on notes and increase your comprehension and retention from reading. Instead of copying down tons of notes or over-highlighting, try some of the active and effective strategies and formats listed below. In contrast, simply highlighting loads of information is simpler but does not do much to actively engage the brain. Copying down information does not engage your brain and is not a strong strategy for learning and remembering content. One of the key ideas of good note taking is that it is not necessary to copy down loads of information from the text. Good notes can take different forms and may vary from person to person-or even from text to text.


Do you ever copy down pages of notes while reading but still struggle to remember what you read? Alternatively, do you read through texts without taking notes and while only half paying attention? Perhaps you highlight or underline your texts but feel like maybe you’re not getting the most from your reading.
