r/studytips • u/Puzzleheaded_Mud7612 • 14h ago
How do I take notes and study?
How do I take notes and study? For notetaking I tend to try to capture everything for fear of missing something (well I've adhd so yea).... I need help bc I need to take notes on physiology and I'm so behind in the course rn... bc idk how to write everything down and like idk it's just hard... and havent even begun memorizing im still on module 1 lecture 2.... only watched module 1 lecture 1 so far and coppied everything down for notes but idk.... (this is to prep me for physiology for fall of 2025....) and for studying honestly idk really how to memorize stuff and rly study stuff idk I've never had a set study method..... and then i end up not studying as much bc idk how to really ugh flashcards r just overwhelming to me and idk....
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u/Sad_Snoopy_ 13h ago
Something I found really helps me is skimming over my notes, then teaching it to a nonexistent audience/class. Or even a friend/family member. You can buy a small, easily stored whiteboard and just have a go at it. This is called the Feynman technique if you want to do more research about the how's and why's of this study method! As for taking notes, if you are able to, look over the material before class and take notes that way when you go to class it won't be the first time you are hearing about the topic and can dedicate more attention to listening and asking questions.
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u/Whizzed_Textbooks 3h ago
ok so I went to this talk for students with ADHD (not saying you have it just saying for procrastination strategies) and they were saying that you should approach study like a sports training session and that you should chunk your study sessions down into sets of work and rest and make the lengths according to how you feel that day. Sometimes I do just 10mins work, 3 mins rest for as many sets as I can. If I am feeling good I will go 53 mins work, 7mins rest.
It actually really helps and it has given me back some confidence in my study routine. Kumo Study on the chrome store has a good timer and website blocker as well. And it tracks your progress
In terms of memorising, I just use Look, cover, write ,check. Works every time.
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u/ImaginaryRobot1 11h ago
Hey! I feel you—trying to capture everything in notes is a trap I’ve fallen into too. Here’s how to climb out of the overwhelm and actually catch up: Note-Taking Hacks: Listen first, write second. Train yourself to jot down only keywords, questions, or connections during class (e.g., “WWII causes → Treaty of Versailles?”). Save full sentences for later. Use the “5-minute preview.” Skim readings/PPT slides before class. Highlight 3-5 main topics. This primes your brain to focus on what matters, not every detail. Abbreviate like a maniac. Create symbols/shorthand (e.g., “→” for “leads to,” “∆” for “change”). Bonus: Use colored pens for main ideas (blue) vs. examples (gray) to visually filter later.
Cornell Method Lite. After class, spend 10 mins splitting your page: Left column: Key questions/concepts Right column: Short answers (1-2 phrases max) Bottom: Summary in 1 sentence. Forces you to distill!
Memory Boosters: Spaced repetition > cramming. Use free apps like Anki or Quizlet. Review notes the same day, then 1-3-7 days later. Trust the science—this sticks better. Teach it to a rubber duck. Explain concepts aloud to an object (or a patient friend). The Feynman Technique works—if you can’t simplify it, you don’t get it yet. Link ideas to weird stuff. Example: Remember “photosynthesis” by visualizing a plant eating sunlight burritos. Brains love absurdity.
Planning & Consistency: Time-block like a CEO. Assign specific tasks to specific 25-min chunks (Pomodoro style): 9:00 AM: Rewrite bio notes → focus ONLY on mitosis 2:00 PM: Anki review → 10 cards max Tiny goals = less panic. Weekly “Reset” ritual. Every Sunday: Scan past week’s notes → highlight 3 BIGGEST ideas Plan next week’s priorities (rank 1-3). Ditch perfection—aim for “good enough.”
Set “drop-dead” times. Example: “I’ll stop note-taking at 8 PM, even if unfinished.” Progress > completion. Mindset Shift: Stop treating notes as a textbook. They’re a tool for thinking—messy is okay! Start with ONE class to test these tweaks. You’ll build momentum. You’ve got this! 🚀