Plain English Meaning

Writing down the important parts of what you hear so you can review and remember it later. Good notes capture the main points, not every word.

Full Definition

The practice of writing down key points, ideas, or information while listening to a lecture, briefing, or instructional session, in order to aid understanding and recall later. Effective notetaking captures the main ideas and supporting details rather than transcribing everything word-for-word.

Context Anchor

Seen in aviation training during ground lessons, preflight briefings, postflight discussions, and any time an instructor gives information the learner may need to review later.

Derivation

Note comes from the Latin word nota, meaning a mark or sign. That helps because a note is not meant to be the whole lesson; it is a useful mark that points you to an important idea.