How Should My Child Take Study Notes?

Asked by Anonymous on our Parent Webinar Series.

When it comes to note-making, there are several formats that students can use to improve their study habits. Ultimately, the most important thing is that students are actively making notes. The process of note-taking itself is more important than the format they choose, so if your child isn't in the habit of making notes regularly, that's the first step in boosting their academic performance.

Once they've developed the habit of taking notes, you can help them fine-tune the formatting. Here are the three most effective formats for note-making that your child can use to maximise their learning:

1. Long-Hand Study Notes

In the long-hand format, students write out long sentences or even entire paragraphs. While this method is better than not taking notes at all, it comes with two major downsides:

• Repetition: Students often fall into the trap of copying textbook content word-for-word. However, note-making should be an active process that encourages understanding. The goal is to summarise and paraphrase information in their own words to ensure they engage with the content.

• Difficulty in Memorisation: Long-hand notes can be harder to memorise. Our brains typically chunk information into key concepts, but lengthy notes make it difficult to locate the main points quickly. As a result, students might find themselves re-writing notes before exams, wasting valuable time that could have been spent doing practice papers.

  
  

2. Keyword Linear Notes

A more effective method is the keyword linear note system. Here, students draw a line down the middle of the page which they can't go beyond, forcing them to summarise each point in just a few words. This format addresses the issues associated with long-hand notes:

• Active Engagement: By condensing complex ideas into short phrases or keywords, students actively engage with the material. This helps them better understand the content as they summarise it in their own words.

• Time-Saving: Keyword notes are already concise and organised, meaning there’s no need to re-write them later. This leaves students with more time to focus on important tasks like exam practice papers.

  
  

3. Cornell Study Notes

The Cornell note-taking system is a popular method that also includes a line down the page to help students structure their notes. It’s similar to the keyword linear method but offers more flexibility:

• White Space for Additional Notes: Students can use the space to add diagrams, mind maps, or additional comments as they revise, which helps them visually organise information and reinforce learning.

• Efficient Revision: Cornell notes make it easy to add and review key concepts, improving both retention and recall when revising for exams.

See some examples of the above and learn more about effective note-making in our Crash Course on Note-Making.

Why Effective Note-Making Matters

Whether your child is preparing for Year 12 exams or NAPLAN, good note-making is an essential skill for academic success. By adopting the right method and staying consistent, students can improve their understanding of the material, enhance memory retention, and make exam preparation more manageable.

For students, using a study timetable alongside these note-making techniques ensures they stay on track with their studies. Check out our Crash Course on Building a Study Timetable.