Notes should be precise, yet they should cover all of the information learned. The fundamental indication that a set of notes are proper notes is that they cover everything from key points, concepts, classwork to extra details.
Proper Notes Making for JEE/ NEET Preparation
Students should seriously focus on creating some smart notes when it comes to cracking the coveted national entrance examinations like NEET and JEE. The smart notes are the ultimate preparation booster and also the lifesaver for students just before the examination. They are incredibly beneficial, yet students prepare incomplete Notes for JEE & NEET, confusing it with being perfect.
Making notes are an essential component of any competitive preparation, be it IIT-JEE, NEET, CLAT, or any other exams. Writing or recording notes helps motor, visual and auditory recall, making the concepts easier to remember. If notes are prepared effectively, it helps in the long-term retention of concepts and enhances students’ overall performance in Mocks and finals. It is observed that 95% of students aspiring to crack JEE & NEET prepare incomplete notes of all the subjects. The proper method of complete notes preparation increases the overall preparation and enhances effectiveness, ultimately results in high performance in every exam.
Let’s take about the first kind of notes that almost every student makes- The Class Notes:
While studying at the coaching or attending an online video lecture, students tend to copy the teacher’s language from the board/ writing devices. This written content mostly constitutes the literature on the board, which are not proper notes. More than 85% of students make notes during the class, which are bound to be incomplete, as 100% note making is not possible during a live class or even during a physical class. One usually misses upon few points or few topics when one records down what the teacher is delivering. It can happen because the teacher’s pace may vary, or the teacher might explain a few topics by giving oral examples or through his body language.
These class notes will not help you elevate your All India Rank in the competitive exam. Therefore, class notes are not the ultimate notes.
Now let’s have a look at the better version of the Notes that one must possess- The Self Notes:
After attending the lecture, when you revise the concept, that is when Self Notes should be prepared. These self notes are formed using multiple resources, the information in mind, and the class notes. These notes are practical because you will be jotting down points in your own language using your understanding. This helps in long term retention.
In case you have already prepared class notes, then do not forget to complete them by adding new points and references. Work towards taking your Class Notes (50% notes) to Self-Notes (100% Notes) to achieve success by striving for Long term Conceptual Retention. Use NCERT Books, Coaching Study Material, or other books to add the 50% part to your notes. Add things that you find necessary or the topics that seem important. This will help you gain confidence in the overall preparation.
The third type of notes that every student must have- The Short Notes:
These are the most precise forms of notes; they usually involve Keywords, Symbolic Diagrams, and Formulas. These notes intend to be specific, covering the highlights and important points. It is highly recommended that these notes must be prepared in small font size and shouldn’t be lengthy. To know how one should prepare short notes, check out this video by Ashish Arora Sir
Benefits of taking Notes:
The Class Notes Benefits
Actively taking notes during your class can help you focus and better understand the essential concepts. Good note-taking during the class improves your active listening, understanding of the course material, and retention.
The Post-Class/ Self Notes benefits
After class, preparing the right notes is crucial for reviewing and revising the class material. It is excellent for better understanding and appropriately preparing you for exams.
Preparing notes just after attending a topic’s class tends to be efficient and concise. As the topic you studied is fresh in your mind, preparing its notes will save you time, energy, and confusion. Try to make organized and less wordy notes; taking the right notes can save you from the hassle of rereading a topic and can provide an excellent resource for creating study outlines.
