How do I take better notes during lectures or reading?

The most effective approach is to avoid transcribing everything and instead paraphrase ideas in your own words as you go. This forces active processing rather than passive copying. Use the Cornell method or similar structured formats where you leave space for summary questions alongside your main notes. For reading, annotate directly in margins or a notebook, writing brief reactions and connections rather than just highlighting. After any lecture or reading session, spend five minutes writing a quick summary from memory without looking at your notes. This retrieval practice dramatically improves retention and reveals gaps in understanding. Review and reorganize your notes within 24 hours while the material is still fresh, connecting new ideas to things you already know.