How to Use Note-Taking to Learn Python

Learning Python can be genuinely hard, and it’s normal to struggle with fundamental concepts. Research has shown that note-taking is invaluable when learning new things. This guide will help you get the most out of your learning efforts by showing you how to take better notes as you walk through an existing tutorial and keep handwritten notes on the side:

In this guide, you’ll begin by briefly learning about the benefits of note-taking. Then, you’ll follow along with an existing Real Python tutorial as you perform note-taking steps to help make the information in the tutorial really stick. To help you stay organized as you practice, download the Python Note-Taking Worksheet below. It outlines the process you’ll learn here and provides a repeatable framework you can use with future tutorials:

What Is Python Note-Taking?

In the context of learning, note-taking is the process of recording information from a source while you’re consuming it. A traditional example is a student jotting down key concepts during a lecture. Another example is typing out lines of code or unfamiliar words while watching a video course, listening to a presentation, or reading a learning resource.

In this guide, Python note-taking refers to taking notes specific to learning Python.

People take notes for a variety of reasons. Usually, the intent is to return to the notes at a later time to remind the note-taker of the information covered during the learning session.

In addition to the value of having a physical set of notes to refer back to, studies have found that the act of taking notes alone improves a student’s ability to recall information on a topic.

This guide focuses on handwritten note-taking—that is, using a writing utensil and paper. Several studies suggest that this form of note-taking is especially effective for understanding a topic and remembering it later. If taking notes by hand isn’t viable for you, don’t worry! The concepts presented here should be applicable to other forms of note-taking as well.

Prerequisites

Since this guide focuses on taking notes while learning Python programming, you’ll start by referencing the Real Python tutorial Python for Loops: The Pythonic Way. This resource is a strong choice because it clearly explains a fundamental programming concept that you’ll use throughout your Python journey.

Once you have the resource open in your browser, set aside a few pieces of paper and have a pen or pencil ready. Alternatively, you can take notes on a tablet with a stylus or another writing tool.

Generally, taking notes by hand has a stronger impact on learning than other methods, such as typing into a text document. For more information on the effectiveness of taking notes by hand versus typing, see this article from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Step 1: Write Down Major Concepts

With your note-taking tools ready, start by skimming the learning resource. Usually, you want to look at the major headings to see what topics the material covers. For Real Python content, you can instead just look at the table of contents at the top of the page, since this lists the main sections.

The major headings for your example resource are as follows:

• Getting Started with the Python for Loop
• Traversing Built-In Collections in Python
• Using Advanced for Loop Syntax
• Exploring Pythonic Looping Techniques
• Understanding Common Pitfalls in for Loops
• Using for Loops vs Comprehensions
• Using async for Loops for Asynchronous Iteration

The list above doesn’t include subheadings like “Sequences: Lists, Tuples, Strings, and Ranges” under “Traversing Built-In Collections in Python”. For now, stick to top-level headings.