Good note-taking is not about writing down every word a teacher says. It is about capturing the information you will need when completing homework, preparing assignments and revising for tests.

Australian students can start by listening for key ideas, definitions, examples and instructions. Use short phrases rather than complete sentences, and leave space between topics so extra information can be added later. Headings, bullet points, symbols and simple abbreviations can make notes easier to scan.

It also helps to develop a consistent format across subjects. For example, a student might use the same structure for each lesson: topic, key concepts, examples, questions and follow-up tasks. Different subjects may require different approaches, so science notes might include labelled diagrams while English notes could focus on themes, evidence and quotations.

Reviewing notes soon after class is another useful habit. Spend a few minutes correcting unclear points, highlighting important ideas and adding missing details while the lesson is still fresh.

Parents can support this process by asking students to explain what they learned rather than simply checking whether their notebook looks complete. With practice, effective note-taking can become a practical part of everyday study.