Taking notes from textbooks

[speechfan222]

Im curious, how does everyone prefer to take notes from textbooks? Do you type them out or write them by hand? Do you outline the chapters or only write down the most important information from each of them? 

Im getting a head start and have already started reading the first chapter of my text for my class that starts next week. Its very interesting, but I dont really like the layout of the book and how its written. There is no glossary either. Should I write down the important points from each chapter and create my own glossary that I can use to help me prepare for quizzes and exams? Im looking for feedback. Im stuck with how to best to take notes. I know it varies from person to person, but Im looking for feedback. Let me know! 

[TakeruK]

My methodology for taking notes depends on my goals with the course. If this is a course that doesn't really matter for my future career (i.e. just a requirement) then I take notes in the way that best prepares me for the homework and exams. So, in this case, I actually don't start taking notes at all until several weeks into the course and I know more about what we are expected to learn. For me, I learn much more from lectures and discussions than I do from the book (I just treat the book as a reference material if I need deeper insight).

If I want to get more out of the course than just completing it, then I summarize important points for each chapter. I don't generally create a glossary because I don't find these things helpful. Instead, when I come across important terms/words, I just note down the definition along with my other notes. I colour-code my notes or use symbols so that I can find things like math proofs, or definitions, or arguments, or examples much easier. In my own written notes, I often just very briefly summarize the point I want to remember and then write down the page number. Again though, sometimes I wait until the course begins and I have more context about the book before I start taking serious notes. In the first week, the prof might say that there isn't really a good up to date book and the syllabus just lists one decent resource but the best resource is XYZ instead.

[rising_star]

This might be a difference in fields. In the social sciences, a glossary can sometimes be useful, particularly if it relates to how a field is studied or is the definition of a particular social theory. But, otherwise, I would focus on summarizing sections and then the whole chapter in your own words. Without knowing the format of the quizzes and exams the professor gives, it's difficult to say more.