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How to take notes

So I’m going to be studying children’s nursing in September and I’m going to be using a laptop/ipad. What is the best way to take notes. During lectures but also of PowerPoints. Is there any recommendations for apps/browsers, ways to organise notes, how to take them.

Reply 1

LSBU Student Rep

Original post by tashasonfics3

Hi @tashasonfics3 ,

Amazing to see that you starting Children Nursing course this coming September. Personally I'm a third year BSc (Hons) Forensic Science student. Within my 3 years on the course, I'd tried multiple techniques and witness multiple techniques that I'd like to share.

I have a long technique which has been able to work for me. I use both a laptop and a tablet. My lecturers release the slides 2/3 days minimum before the actual lecture, so I usually go through the slide and highlight any slides that are a little confusing and write out any questions I have. Next using a tablet I use goodnotes to produce a page (or two) of that lecture trying to condense to have the important facts written in a way which I can remember before the lecture itself. To be completely honest I do most of my notes during this period, outside reading in a different colour, adding links to books or papers if I know that there is an assignment that I might want to read properly in depth. Then within the lecture itself I'd have "annotated PowerPoint version" which is full of questions and highlighted slides on my tablet, accordingly I'd write out the answers and any important notes made within the lectures. At a later date, I'd add all that information to my goodnotes page of notes. So hopefully by then I'd have a page of two of all my notes in that particular lecture/module all in one place.

With this being said this works for me its very long winded, but I got what grades I wanted. This to say use your first year as a trial and error to find the way that works for you. As much as I'd used the updated form of note taking. My notes are dependant on multiple things. E.g. Law lecturs, my lecturer would give us a paper version of the slides, so many people write pen and paper for those lecturers. I personally only type out my law notes. For lab based I'd write digital notes. For theory base lectures (I used the version above). All this to say some techniques work for some things and not others. You'll only know when you try and what feels like you are learning the most and retaining the correct information.

Other techniques I know others use:

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Purely listening - no notes, and trying to be present with what's being said

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Handwritten notes with paper and pen

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Typed up notes

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'Annotated powerpoints'

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Creating their own powerpoint, having a whole module in a 30 page PowerPoint - adding on to it every lecture. But overall having the whole module in one powerpoint.

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Being the teaching - Teaching someone else the content

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Digital Notes

The main Apps external app I used were Notion, I used this to create a template which had all my assignments and they'd rank it to when the deadline was due. I also create a grade calculator page which can calculate how on target to the grade I want. As its automated.

Other apps I'd suggest:

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Notion

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Goodnotes

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Canva - Great for visuals, flow charts

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Google Calendar - Great for blocking

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Forest - Great for avoiding distractions

Apologise for the long response, however, I do hope that you have gained some knowledge on how to revise, and apps that are helpful.

Best wishes with the remining of your studies

Kaprice R [3rd Year - BSc (Hons) Forensic Science]
LSBU Rep

Reply 2

LJMUStudentReps

Official Rep

Original post by tashasonfics3

Hey! I know studying at uni can be daunting it’s so good that you are coming prepared by asking these questions! Taking effective notes while studying children’s nursing at university involves a combination of structured organization, active engagement during lectures, and strategic review practices. Here are some steps and tips to help you take efficient and useful notes:

Before the Lecture
Preview the Material:
- Review the syllabus and any assigned readings or materials before the lecture.
- Familiarize yourself with key concepts and terminology related to children’s nursing.
Prepare Your Tools:
- Choose a note-taking method that works best for you (e.g., digital notes on your laptop, traditional notebooks, or a hybrid approach).
- Have highlighters, pens, and sticky notes ready if you are using paper. I always highlight!

During the Lecture
Active Listening:
- Focus on understanding the lecture content rather than transcribing it.
- Listen for cues from the lecturer about what is important (e.g., repeated points, emphasized topics).

Key Information:
- Note down important concepts, definitions, statistics, and examples.
- Record any case studies or patient scenarios discussed, as they are crucial for understanding practical applications.
- Write down questions that arise during the lecture to follow up on later.

After the Lecture
Review and Clarify:
- Soon after the lecture, review your notes to reinforce the material. this helps you remember everything you’ve taken note of!
- Fill in any gaps or clarify points that were unclear by consulting textbooks or asking classmates.

Organize:
- Keep your notes organized by date and topic.
- Create folders or sections in your digital note-taking tool for different subjects or modules.

By following these strategies, you can create comprehensive, organized, and useful notes that will aid your understanding and retention of children’s nursing concepts throughout your studies.
Remember to try and apply your notes to your real- time experience in clinical sessions etc. This will help them make more sense!

Good luck!
Ria
Official LJMU Rep