Collaborative note taking template

Take notes to synthesize what you hear in an engaging way

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Collaborative note taking

Collaborative note taking template FAQs

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Information in notes has a 34% chance of being remembered (vs. 5% if you don’t write it down). The collaborative online note taking template is a space to take notes collaboratively with your classmates and friends, designed to run parallel to a lecture, but adaptable to a variety of settings. It’s an interactive space with enough structure to guide you, and enough freedom for you to make it your own.

This template is a powerful tool that enables multiple users to simultaneously contribute, organize, and edit notes in real-time, fostering teamwork and enhancing information sharing. With Mural on your side, you can be sure that all updates are saved instantly and are accessible to everyone involved, making them an invaluable resource for dynamic, group-driven note-taking.

A note taking template helps you:

Stay organized: This template provides a structured format, helping you capture key information in an orderly manner.
Improve your efficiency: Note taking templates offer a clear framework, ensuring you don’t miss important points during lectures, meetings, or projects.
Tailor for specific needs: This can be designed for different purposes, like lecture notes, study guides, or research projects, making note-taking more efficient.
Encourage active engagement: Pre-defined sections for key concepts, summaries, and follow-up questions help you interact with the material, improving retention.

How to use the collaborative note taking template

Step 1: Set up the template

Create a new document, including sections like title/date, main topics, subtopics/details, questions/discussion points, and summary/conclusion to organize the content.

Step 2: Distribute roles and sections

Assign specific sections or topics to each participant (like one person handles the introduction, another focuses on key points, etc.). Then, tag collaborators in relevant sections to clarify responsibilities or ask questions.

Step 3: Collaborate in real time

As the session progresses, contribute to the document by adding notes under the appropriate headings. Use comments or tags to ask questions, suggest clarifications, or highlight important details.

Step 4: Use formatting tools

Utilize bullet points, bold text, highlighting, and color coding to organize key points and make the notes easy to read. Embed additional media like images, links, or videos to enrich the content.

Tips for using the collaborative note taking template

Establish clear roles beforehand: Assign specific sections or topics to each participant to ensure everyone contributes and there’s no overlap.
Set guidelines: Agree on consistent formatting rules, like using bullet points for main ideas, bold text for important terms, or color coding for different categories.
Use real-time collaboration features: A lot of knowledge workers want to collaborate better. Take advantage of real-time editing to keep the notes dynamic and up-to-date as the session progresses. Encourage everyone to contribute during the meeting or lecture to ensure the notes are comprehensive.

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Collaborative note taking template FAQs

How do collaborative notes work?

Collaborative notes work by allowing multiple users to contribute, edit, and organize information simultaneously in a shared online document. Using Mural (making sure to use our Google Docs, or Microsoft OneNote integrations), participants can see real-time updates, add their thoughts, or modify the content without waiting for the other person to finish.

These tools typically offer features like version control, comment sections, and the ability to tag or assign specific tasks, which helps keep the note-taking process organized. Each user can highlight, annotate, or color-code their contributions, making it easy to differentiate ideas. In group settings, such as lectures or team projects, this collaborative approach not only fosters active engagement but also ensures that all participants can access a comprehensive, up-to-date record of discussions or lectures, even if they missed part of it.

Note-taking strategies for college students

70% of students agree that laptops are important to academic success, so here are some strategies college students can use to take notes.

The Cornell method: This strategy divides your page into three sections: a narrow left-hand column for keywords or questions, a wide right-hand column for detailed notes, and a summary section at the bottom. After class, review the material and write a brief summary at the end to reinforce your learning. This method helps organize information for both review and active recall.
Outlining: The outlining method involves using bullet points or numbered lists to organize information hierarchically. Main topics are placed at the top, with subtopics or supporting details listed underneath. This strategy is especially useful for structured lectures or when preparing for exams, as it allows you to see the main concepts and their related details clearly.
Mind mapping: This visual strategy uses diagrams to show relationships between ideas. You start with a central theme and branch out with connected ideas, facts, or concepts. Mind maps are great for brainstorming, studying for exams, or understanding complex topics that involve interrelated ideas.
Charting: When you have information that fits into categories (like comparing theories, dates, or people), charting can be a useful method. Create a table with headers and fill in corresponding data. This strategy helps organize and compare information quickly, making it easy to reference later.
The Flow method: Instead of writing down everything verbatim, the Flow method focuses on capturing key ideas in your own words. It’s a more fluid approach where you jot down concepts as they come, without worrying too much about exact wording. This method is great for lectures with rapid-fire information and helps you stay engaged with the content.
Active listening & reviewing: Beyond just writing notes, active listening involves engaging with the content by asking questions and mentally summarizing key points as they are presented. After class, review your notes within 24 hours to reinforce the material and fill in gaps while the content is still fresh in your mind.

Incorporating these strategies into your study routine can help improve retention, enhance organization, and make it easier to review and apply what you've learned.