How to Take Notes You Can Actually Learn From

Picture this: you're revising for an important exam, and you open your notebook only to find a wall of scribbled text that makes no sense. Sound familiar? The problem isn't your memory—it's how you took those notes in the first place. When your notes are clear enough to teach from, you've already done half the learning. Let's transform your note-taking approach with a simple quality check that changes everything.

Spot the Clutter

Most of us fall into the same trap: we frantically copy down everything we hear, creating dense paragraphs that feel productive in the moment but prove useless later. Here's the truth: more words don't equal better understanding. In fact, rushed notes full of disconnected phrases often signal that you're recording without processing.

Take a moment to look at your most recent notes. Are they:

• Packed with long sentences you copied verbatim?
• Filled with abbreviations you can't decipher?
• Covered in highlights with no clear hierarchy?

If you answered yes to any of these, you're not alone—but it's time for a change.

Ask the 'Teach' Question

Here's your new golden rule: every line you write should pass the 'teach test'. Could you read that sentence aloud and explain the concept to someone else right now? If not, it's not clear enough yet.

This simple question forces your brain to process information as you write, rather than postponing the understanding for later. You're essentially preloading your study session. Instead of wrestling with cryptic notes during revision, you'll have ready-made explanations that instantly refresh your memory.

The teach test isn't about perfection—it's about clarity. If a friend could read your line and grasp the idea without your help, you've nailed it.

Rewrite for Clarity

Now comes the practical bit. As you take notes, pause after each main point and ask yourself: 'Can I teach this?' If the answer is no, rewrite that line immediately. Strip away the filler. Turn jargon into plain language. Replace vague phrases with specific explanations.

For example, instead of writing 'Important concept about memory consolidation during sleep', try 'Sleep helps move new information from short-term to long-term memory'. The second version is shorter, clearer, and actually teachable.

Yes, this means you'll write fewer lines—but each one will earn its place by making meaning crystal clear. Quality over quantity, every time.

Enjoy Clear Notes

When you implement the teach test, something remarkable happens: revision becomes faster and less stressful. You're no longer decoding your own handwriting or piecing together fragments. You're simply reviewing clear explanations that you crafted when the ideas were fresh.

Future you will genuinely thank present you for doing the thinking work up front. Notes you can teach from are notes you can remember from. It's that simple.

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