Strategies for Effective Note-Taking

Let's Take a Poll!

1. Do you take notes in class?

a) Yes

b) No

2. Do you read the assigned readings prior to class?

a) Yes

b) No

Before Class

Read Your Text or Notes

• This keeps the information fresh in order to understand any new material that will be introduced in class.
• Look at the course syllabus so that you are aware of the class topic.

Be Prepared

• A separate notebook for each class as well as pens, pencils and highlighters are the basic requirements to be an effective note-taker.
• If necessary have a ruler, dictionary, calculator or any other required tools.

Be on Time

• Select a seat where you would not be disturbed by late comers.
• Try to sit as close to the front as possible where you can remain alert and avoid further distractions

During Class

Be Here and Now – in the present

Try these techniques to keep you alert and focused:

• Sit towards the front of the class. This will help your focus more on the material being presented.
• Sit upright with good posture.
• Shift position in your seat frequently and discreetly to keep your blood circulating.

Notable Items

The following are some of items that must be included in

your notes:

• Material that is written on the board or your professor states is of specific importance.
• Detailed lists, definitions and information preceded by(signal words) introductory and/or concluding phrases or words such as: “The following three factors…,”In conclusion…,” “In addition to…”

Taping Lectures

Always get the instructor’s permission before recording the lecture.

Tape recorders, although useful can actually hinder your performance to pay attention in class. On the other hand, they are a good resource to refer back to. It depends on what type of learner you are.

After Class

• Review your notes after class. You can always fill in any gaps or define words you didn’t catch in class.

• Make note of any questions you have or content that is confusing to you that you want to follow-up on later or ask your professor about.

• Use abbreviations and symbols. Write in bullets and phrases instead of complete sentences.

Let's Take a Poll!

What is your learning style?

a) Visual Learners

b) Auditory Learners

c) Kinesthetic Learners

The Cornell Method

The Outline Method

• Select a few main points that will be covered in lecture. (Review syllabus and material prior to class to determine main points of lecture).
• Leave space on each page of notes so that you can fill in any gaps.
• Although useful, some students reported feeling overwhelmed later when trying to review and fill in gaps

The Mind Mapping Method

• Useful for visual learners who struggle with studying from notes.

• Helps you remember and connect relationships between topics.

• Ideal for courses that have complex, abstract ideas.

• The main topics branch out into subtopics with detailed information about each.

The Mind Mapping Method

Let's Take a Poll!

What is your prefer note-taking style?

a) Handwriting

b) Typing

Handwriting

VS

Typing

Typing

Handwriting

Provides ease and speed

Boost the learning process

Helps you avoid hand cramps

Useful for visual learners

Easy to edit, save, & share

Helps you avoid distractions

Improve creativity

Good for research and multi-tasking

Not structuring notes properly.

• Sticking to a template is the best way to make sure notes are concise, structured, and comprehensive.

Not using highlighting properly.

• Only around 10-15 percent of each page should be highlighted.

Not organizing notes correctly.

• Add course title, chapter, and date to each page.

Only reviewing notes before the test.

• Review the notes taken in class every night.

Do's and Don'ts of Note-Taking