Method 2: Symbolize Actions and Reference Points
Using either note paper or a simple text file on your laptop such as Word, indent each line of your notes from the left margin. Then, use a simple system of symbols to mark off four or more different information types in the left column indented space in the margin. As you take notes, mark them with these symbols for simple and efficient future reference.
The following table describes a few useful symbols, but you can make your own as well:
| Symbol | Description |
| [ ] | A square check box or brackets denotes a to-do item. |
| * | An asterisk is an important fact that you will likely need to know or refer to later. |
| ? | A question mark goes next to items to research or ask about. |
| ! or ~ | An exclamation point (or tilde ~) is a note or thought of your own that builds upon or connects your own thoughts or ideas to the topic at hand. You might want to build upon this idea later, make it easy to find and remember! |
- Pro-Tip: Check out Taking Better Notes in College: Part I to learn about the Cornell Note-Taking method, and try incorporating both of these to improve your note-taking skills even further.
- For example, you might use these symbols in the Cue Column or Note-Taking Area referenced in Part I.
Have any other tips on note-taking to share? We're all ears in the comments below!
.
