Here are some examples of different methods you can use to improve your note taking. Keep notes as you do read, writing down anything you find especially useful.

Sophie's technique: visual note taking

Visual methods of note taking are a very popular approach to reading. As a rule, they take time and care to create, but can help students think about their reading more holistically, allowing them to draw connections between topics and texts. This can prove more challenging with other methods of note taking. That said, some students find these visual approaches to be a little messy. They can also be less structured, and hard to come back to, than more systematic note taking approaches.

Sophie says: “I use this method a lot as I am quite a creative person. This approach enables me to make my note taking more enjoyable and allows me to think about work in different ways.”

Emily's method: flowcharts

Flowcharts can be a fantastic way to approach systematic subjects, such as health sciences and business management, but it does have limitations when it comes to using them with more complex and less logic driven disciplines such as sociology!

Emily says: “I study a subject that features lots of legal texts. This method allows me to break down pieces of legislation and understand what each section means."

Ollie's method: mind maps

Some people find mind maps invaluable as a way of exploring connections within subject areas, and as a useful tool for planning a task like writing an essay – but other people find them messy and inconclusive. They don’t really lend themselves well to reading more challenging texts but can be excellent when revising for exams. There are a number of excellent digital applications you can use to make mind maps virtually. (You could try looking at Miro boards to help structure online notes)

Ollie says: “This method is great for when I come to write my essays. I have everything in front of me here and I can see everything in one place!”