How do you create good study notes

[conic curve]

Students notes could help you get an idea about how much detail is necessary! But doing the content for yourself is still the best way to get that understanding, there is only so much you can do in early prep

MEh I might as well still write my notes as early as possible, so then I can save time throughout the year

Jamon, do you think it's a great idea to write my notes 3 times (i.e. one super detailed notes with neccessary summaries, weaknesses notes and "concept maps" with sample extended responses)?

I'll probably have yo write my "super detailed notes" before we start the HSC course and then a week-2 before class, I'll try to make my "concept maps" with sample extended responses notes and then after we learn the content, I'll write my "weaknesses notes"

How does that sound?

I'll probably have to make them during my free periods at school (if I have any by next year)

[elysepopplewell]

What if I use past students notes, textbooks and research notes?

Adding on to Jamon here - don't forget that you will most likely write, rewrite, and edit your notes several times throughout the year. You don't have to get them done perfectly and early on. In fact, writing study notes is a form of study in itself (at least, it was for me), so there's no stress about getting in early. Staying on top of it is a major advantage, but you don't necessarily have to be ahead in notes. And, bringing in all kinds of sources to your notes, like textbooks, past student notes, online resources, etc, is all super valuable - as long as it means something to you and your understanding of the topic.

[conic curve]

Adding on to Jamon here - don't forget that you will most likely write, rewrite, and edit your notes several times throughout the year. You don't have to get them done perfectly and early on. In fact, writing study notes is a form of study in itself (at least, it was for me), so there's no stress about getting in early. Staying on top of it is a major advantage, but you don't necessarily have to be ahead in notes. And, bringing in all kinds of sources to your notes, like textbooks, past student notes, online resources, etc, is all super valuable - as long as it means something to you and your understanding of the topic.

Thanks Elyse

Also Jamon (Jake and Ruiace), I just wanna add but the practicals are going to be part of my notes (i.e. my super indepth notes with summaries) and my weaknesses notes (i.e. since I'm crap at science pracs)

As for concept mapping and extended response, well I don't know how that fits in that category other than that there will be a question where you are required to assess the validity, accuracy and reliability of the experiment

How should I integrate my practical notes into my concept mapping notes?

Also is it necessary to make "english notes" (i.e. essay paragraphs that you're going to memorise and adapt to the new essay question, TEE tables with quotes, neccessary analysis of texts, sample essays, etc)

[jakesilove]

Thanks Elyse

Also Jamon (Jake and Ruiace), I just wanna add but the practicals are going to be part of my notes (i.e. my super indepth notes with summaries) and my weaknesses notes (i.e. since I'm crap at science pracs)

As for concept mapping and extended response, well I don't know how that fits in that category other than that there will be a question where you are required to assess the validity, accuracy and reliability of the experiment

How should I integrate my practical notes into my concept mapping notes?

Also is it necessary to make "english notes" (i.e. essay paragraphs that you're going to memorise and adapt to the new essay question, TEE tables with quotes, neccessary analysis of texts, sample essays, etc)

Your notes should include whatever you want them to include, however you want to include them. If you want to write notes for English, do that.

[RuiAce]

Thanks Elyse

Also Jamon (Jake and Ruiace), I just wanna add but the practicals are going to be part of my notes (i.e. my super indepth notes with summaries) and my weaknesses notes (i.e. since I'm crap at science pracs)

As for concept mapping and extended response, well I don't know how that fits in that category other than that there will be a question where you are required to assess the validity, accuracy and reliability of the experiment

How should I integrate my practical notes into my concept mapping notes?

Also is it necessary to make "english notes" (i.e. essay paragraphs that you're going to memorise and adapt to the new essay question, TEE tables with quotes, neccessary analysis of texts, sample essays, etc)

Go for it. Add the pracs.

Those three points on validity/accuracy/reliability, I either jot some points (small ideas) down or I use my brain and work it out on the day. Not worth it to be memorised.

[kb123]

Basically, taking notes is about collecting, combining, and summarising information from a lot of different places.

The steps look something like:
- Read something
- Decide which bits are the key bits, stripping out the less important stuff, and write/type out those key bits
- Simplify those key bits into easier and shorter language
- Read another source, and add in any extra information from it
- Organise into logical order and update at all times
- ... Repeat.

Here's some ideas of what I think are important features of good notes (and examine how other people's good notes do it!):

Concise
Your notes are full of little gold nuggets, the core pieces of information you need to know and understand to score full marks on the exam.  Don't hide them in fluff and feathers (i.e. lots of unnecessary words and irrelevant information).

- cut anything only semi-relevant or too detailed
- condense it into dot points or numbered lists
- strip out filler words and full sentences
- honestly, textbooks often say things a ridiculously roundabout way - think a few times about how to say the same thing short and simple; this also helps you 'get' what it's talking about

Accurate
Double check that your summary actually says what the original source said, and get your teacher to give them a quick go-ahead... nothing worse than learning the wrong info for the exam because you recorded it incorrectly in your notes!  Google and ATARNotes together should iron out most of your problems, if you want.

Evolving
I see each subject like a 1000-piece puzzle - your understanding of it is shaped by tiny pieces of information captured from a million different places (teachers, ATAR Notes forums, revision lectures, youtube, Googling, textbooks, Khan Academy, other people's notes, etc.)  It's your job to fit them together into one jigsaw puzzle - but this takes time.

So constantly add, move, organise, merge and chop throughout the year.  Don't give up and let it stagnate once you've got 150 pieces laid out.  As you find more info, add it in; and gradually simplify and improve conciseness and order, over time.

Unique
When you just straight copy-paste, it lets you record stuff you don't understand.  You don't have to process, digest, think and internalise the information.  If you turn it into your own words, simplify it, rearrange it, and flesh out bits you didn't get, so it makes sense to you - you'll actually remember what it was all about.  One of the most effective study methods I know of.

Structured
- use bold, clear headings (Word's inbuilt ones are super easy to use!)
- try to make the order logical
- syllabus dot-points make great headings/structure
- ordered bullet points and numbered lists are often easier and clearer than blobs of text and full paragraphs/sentences

Clear
- decently large and clear font size
- dot points and spacing after paragraphs (again word's inbuilt spacing after paragraphs is amazing), rather than unreadable walls of text
- clean, simple and consistent

Also include images and diagrams!!! Add colour to emphasise certain points too

[mattmorley]

I used to hand write notes but now i type, does anyone see any problems with this??? i find it more neat and editable

[jamonwindeyer]

I used to hand write notes but now i type, does anyone see any problems with this??? i find it more neat and editable

Nahh, I typed all of mine in the HSC, and still do for university. Much to my Physics teachers' dismay, because she was big on handwriting for memory retention

I do memorise things more readily when I handwrite. But for me, if I want to be able to revisit old content, I want something neat, and further, something really easy to update. Electronic copies just suited my needs more remember to actually do some writing when exams get close though

[elysepopplewell]

I used to hand write notes but now i type, does anyone see any problems with this??? i find it more neat and editable

My main form of study, for Legal especially, was rewriting my study notes. So I'd actually go from typed, to written, to typed. Each time I was editing the notes, getting rid of useless stuff and adding in extra stuff. Naturally, it's easier to edit typed notes than it is written notes!