566: 3 Common Note-Taking Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

Taking notes isn’t just about writing things down—it’s about learning effectively. Yet, many students fall into ineffective note-taking habits that make studying harder instead of easier.

In this episode, we break down a crucial study skill: how to take better notes. Whether you’re a student looking to improve your learning, a parent helping your child study, or an educator teaching effective strategies, this episode is packed with science-backed tips to upgrade your note-taking process.

The 3 Most Common Note-Taking Mistakes:

1⃣ Relying too much on slides (or not taking notes at all) – Why passive learning fails and how to take active, strategic notes.

2⃣ Taking notes but not knowing what’s important – How to focus on key ideas instead of copying everything.

3⃣ Writing down every word (transcribing instead of processing) – Why selective, organized notes lead to better recall.

The Research:

We dive into Cognitive Load Theory, Generative Learning, and Levels of Processing to explain why these mistakes happen—and how to fix them with simple strategies. Plus, we outline a 3-step note-taking process that works before, during, and after class to make study sessions more effective.

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