The Importance of Taking Notes (Essay Example)

Peter Rodgers, a straight-A student at Stanford, once said, “You have to make your own condensed notes. You learn from making them. A lot of thinking goes into deciding what to include and exclude. You develop your own system of abbreviations and memory methods for the information.” A lot of students struggle with taking tests, and the use of notes can improve their ability to take a test. Notes allow students to stay focused on what is being taught in the class and can help them understand the main concept of the material being taught. Students should be allowed to use notes on tests.

Students learn more information when they are able to take notes. According to Pam A. Meuller, an expert in law and psychology, “The students who were taking longhand notes in our studies were forced to be more selective — because you can't write as fast as you can type. And that extra processing of the material that they were doing benefited them." When students are able to take notes, they have to pick and choose what they think is important to know. As students are writing, they are learning the information that is most important, and are able to retain that information when it comes time to take a test. Elyse Hauser, a creative writer that graduated from The University of New Orleans said,  “This process of critical thinking can boost your memory even further and train your brain to hone in on the most important aspects of what you’re learning and trying to remember.” If students are taking notes by hand and are tested on the material they took notes on, they can imagine the image of their notes in their head, and find the information they need. Overall, when students take notes they learn the important information they need to know, so they can be successful on the test they are preparing for. 

In addition to students learning more with notes, they also feel more confident when they are able to use notes on tests. According to Eileen Bailey, a health writer, “40-60 percent of students have test anxiety at some point and 26 percent of students indicate that they almost always feel anxiety before a test.” Since so many students have anxiety before a test, the use of notes can help reduce that stressful, nerve-racking feeling. When students have access to notes, they feel more confident because they have something to lean on if they forget the information they need to know. It is like being able to lean on your parents when you need help with something, they will always be there for you. Additionally, students need to be confident in order to present their full potential on a test, “Students may know the material, but unless they feel confident in their knowledge and skills, they may not perform to their potential in those make-or-break moments that play a major role in determining success,” (“Why Confidence Matters”). If a student doesn’t feel confident in their abilities to succeed, they are not going to be successful. Notes on tests allow students to be confident in the information they know and have, which should improve their test scores. Overall, confidence is key to doing well on a test or quiz in school, and the use of notes allows students to be more confident.

Although there is strong evidence that students should be allowed to use notes on tests, some would argue that it is unfair because some students are better note-takers than others. It is true that students have different note-taking abilities and may pick up different information when it comes to taking notes. However, with time, practice, and support from others students can learn ways to take efficient notes that can allow them to be more successful. In fact, “... getting trained in specific note-taking strategies can significantly improve the quality of notes and amount of material they remember later,” (Gonzalez). If students are able to be trained in specific note-taking strategies and techniques, they are more than likely able to take efficient notes that allow them to be successful on tests. In addition, teachers can help students by provining guided notes, “With guided notes, the instructor provides some type of outline of the material to be covered, but with space left for students to complete key information,” (Gonzalez). This allows all students to get the information they need to be successful on the test they are preparing for. Students need teachers that are willing to help and provide tools to help kids be successful.

In conclusion, the use of notes can help students gather the information needed to be successful. It is important to know that notes are a tool all students should be able to use, that make them feel more confident in what they are learning. Overall, notes help students remember important information and allow students to feel confident and comfortable on tests they are preparing for.