Reading Vs. Taking Notes

[Kochanie]

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So I'm going over my Biology readings trying to take notes. But, I'm realizing half or more of my time is going into writing. I could read it three times instead of reading + taking notes.

Is it best to just read or have notes for later as well?

 

[deleted407021]

If you read and take notes you WILL retain more of the information as well has have reliable and personalized notes to study with. The trade off is more time dedication. Your call.

 

[cbarne01]

That is the stage where I use mind maps to sort & organise as I read through and then use it to test myself - what do I remember without looking back to my notes.

 

[Kochanie]

My notes end up being key sentences in the book anyway. I focus on writing each word instead of the main picture. Sure, definitions makes sense to write down, but this class is so conceptual that I can not even DO the readings and just be a good quiz taker. But I feel like I'll be screwed come exam time.

 

[kyamh]

Totally up to you. We can't tell you what works for you and what doesn't. I don't learn well from reading, I learn best from lecture so I did minimal (no) reading for my courses. When I did do the reading I always took notes, because then I could go back and review them as though they were lecture notes 🙂

There are also online resources for teaching yourself shorthand and better note taking techniques. Unfortunately, it is important for you to struggle with finding a good way to retain information on your own. If you put in the effort now and figure out how you learn best, you can apply that knowledge to future coursework so you don't waste time/energy later.