Best note taking methods for university lectures in Australia is one of those topics that seems simple but actually matters a lot. Good notes help you study, understand material, and prepare for exams. Bad notes waste your time and don’t help. I’ve tried different methods, and some worked better than others. I’ve watched friends try different methods too, and the difference was finding what worked for them.
Three years later, I’m finishing my Master’s at the University of Melbourne. I’ve tried various note taking methods, and I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t. Some methods helped me understand and remember material. Others didn’t work for me. The difference was finding what suited my learning style and the type of material.
So here’s everything I know about note taking methods for university lectures in Australia, based on what actually works.
Why Note Taking Matters
Let me start with this, because understanding why it matters helps you do it better.
Good notes help you study. When you’re preparing for exams or assignments, good notes are invaluable. They help you review material quickly and effectively.
Good notes help you understand. The act of taking notes helps you process and understand material. You’re not just passively listening. You’re actively engaging.
Good notes help you remember. Writing things down helps you remember them. Good notes are a reference you can come back to.
But here’s what I’ve learned: not all note taking methods work for everyone. What works depends on your learning style, the type of material, and your preferences. Find what works for you.
The Cornell Method: Structured and Effective
This is a popular method, and here’s how it works.
Divide your page into sections: a narrow left column for cues, a wide right column for notes, and a bottom section for summary.
Take notes in the right column during the lecture. Write main points, details, and examples.
After the lecture, write cues in the left column. These are questions or keywords that help you review.
Write a summary at the bottom. This helps you understand the main points.
But here’s what I’ve learned: the Cornell method works well for structured lectures with clear main points. It’s less effective for disorganised lectures or when you need to write quickly.
The Outline Method: Simple and Clear
This is a simple method, and here’s how it works.
Use headings and subheadings. Organise notes hierarchically, with main points and supporting details.
Use indentation to show hierarchy. Main points are at the left. Sub points are indented.
Use bullet points or numbers. This makes notes easy to scan and review.
But here’s what I’ve learned: the outline method works well for well organised lectures. It’s less effective for disorganised lectures or when lecturers jump around topics.
The Mind Map Method: Visual and Creative
This is a visual method, and here’s how it works.
Start with a central topic. Write the main topic in the centre of the page.
Branch out with main points. Draw branches from the centre for main points.
Add details to branches. Add sub branches for details and examples.
Use colours and images. This makes mind maps more visual and memorable.
But here’s what I’ve learned: mind maps work well for visual learners and for understanding relationships between concepts. They’re less effective for detailed information or when you need to write quickly.
The Flow Method: For Fast Paced Lectures
This is for when lectures are fast paced, and here’s how it works.
Write continuously. Don’t worry about structure. Just write what you hear.
Use arrows and connectors. Show relationships between ideas with arrows and lines.
Focus on key points. Don’t try to write everything. Focus on main points and important details.
Review and organise later. After the lecture, review your notes and organise them properly.
But here’s what I’ve learned: the flow method works well for fast paced lectures where you need to write quickly. But you need to review and organise notes later, or they won’t be useful.
Digital vs Handwritten Notes
This is an important choice, and here’s what works.
Handwritten notes have advantages: they help you remember better, they’re less distracting, and they’re more flexible for diagrams and drawings.
Digital notes have advantages: they’re searchable, they’re easier to organise, and they’re easier to share.
But here’s what I’ve learned: what works depends on your preferences and the type of material. Some people prefer handwritten notes. Others prefer digital. Try both and see what works for you.
Tips for Effective Note Taking
Here are some tips that work regardless of method:
Prepare before lectures. Read assigned readings or review previous notes. This helps you understand lectures better.
Listen actively. Don’t just write. Listen, think, and engage with the material.
Focus on main points. Don’t try to write everything. Focus on main points, important details, and examples.
Use abbreviations. Develop your own abbreviations to write faster. But make sure you can understand them later.
Review notes soon after lectures. Review notes within 24 hours. This helps you remember and understand material better.
But here’s what I’ve learned: effective note taking takes practice. Don’t expect to be perfect immediately. Try different methods, practice, and find what works for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I write everything the lecturer says?
No, don’t try to write everything. Focus on main points, important details, and examples. Writing everything is impossible and not useful. Focus on what matters.
What if the lecturer talks too fast?
Use abbreviations, focus on main points, and don’t worry about writing everything. You can ask lecturers to slow down or clarify points. Or record lectures if allowed, but still take notes.
Should I type or write notes by hand?
It depends on your preferences. Handwritten notes help you remember better, but digital notes are easier to organise and search. Try both and see what works for you.
How do I know if my notes are good?
Good notes help you understand and remember material. If you can review your notes and understand the material, they’re probably good. If you can’t understand them later, they’re not good enough.
Should I rewrite my notes after lectures?
Sometimes yes. Rewriting notes helps you understand and remember material. But it takes time. If you have time, rewriting can help. If you don’t, at least review your notes.
What if I miss something in a lecture?
Don’t worry. You can ask lecturers or classmates, or check lecture recordings if available. Missing a few points isn’t the end of the world. Focus on getting the main points.
Final Thoughts
Best note taking methods for university lectures in Australia depend on your learning style, the type of material, and your preferences. Try different methods, practice, and find what works for you. The Cornell method, outline method, mind map method, and flow method all have their place.
Don’t try to write everything. Focus on main points, important details, and examples. Review notes soon after lectures, and don’t be afraid to try different methods.
I’ve made plenty of mistakes since landing in Melbourne, but each one taught me something. The biggest lesson? Find what works for you. Don’t assume one method works for everyone. Try different methods, practice, and find what helps you understand and remember material.
If you’re still planning your study journey, check out my guides on how to study effectively in Australian universities and how to manage assignments exams and group work. And when you’re taking notes, try different methods, focus on main points, and review notes soon after lectures. Good notes make studying easier and more effective.