Are your notes messy, hard to understand? Taking good notes is a skill that can make a huge difference in your SPM preparation. Top students don’t just scribble everything—they take smart, organised notes that make studying easier. Here are some simple yet effective strategies to help you take notes like a top student!
1. Write Key Ideas, Not Everything
Don’t copy every word your teacher says—your hand will cramp lah! Listen for the big ideas, like definitions, formulas, or examples. For instance, in Sejarah, jot down dates and events like “Merdeka 1957” instead of long stories. Use shortcuts like “b/c” (because) or “w/” (with) to save time.
✅ Bad Note-Taking Example:
"Newton’s First Law states that an object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by an external force."
✅ Better Note-Taking Example:
Newton’s 1st Law: Objects stay still or keep moving unless a force changes that.
2. Use Diagrams, Mind Maps & Tables
Visual aids make learning easier! Instead of writing long descriptions, try:
If it’s something that can be drawn, don’t waste time writing it out!
3. Add Colours to Key Information
Use highlighters or color-coded pens to mark important terms, formulas, or dates. For example:
But don’t overdo it—if everything is highlighted, nothing stands out!
4. Use Mnemonics & Shortcuts
Mnemonics help you memorize faster. For example:
📌 Mathematics
📌 Geography
These tricks save time and make studying more fun!
5. Organize Your Notes Properly
Keep your notes neat so they are easy to revise. Use:
📌 Titles & Subheadings – to separate different topics
📌 Page Numbers & Dates – to keep things in order
📌 Sticky Notes – for extra reminders or questions to ask your teacher.
Or use the Cornell Method: divide your page into three parts—notes on the right, key points or questions on the left, and a summary at the bottom. It’s like a cheat sheet for revising! Or try bullet points if you like things short and sweet.
Stick to one style so your brain stays focused.
6. Review & Rewrite
Top SPM students don’t just write and forget. After class, spend 10 minutes reading your notes. Review your notes weekly and rewrite messy parts to make them clearer. This helps you remember the content better.
Bonus Tip: Stay Focused
Put your phone away while taking notes—no TikTok distractions! If your mind wanders, underline something to wake up your brain. Good notes need a sharp mind, so treat it like a game to beat your SPM goals.
Why It Works
Great notes save time and panic during exams. Imagine flipping open your book and seeing all the SPM hot topics ready for you—no digging through messy pages. Start small, practice daily, and you’ll see your grades climb.
You’ve got this, future SPM star!
The Nova eTuition Team
XC Learning
