| Resources - Note-taking
Strategies
Quick
Tips for Note-taking
The
single most important exercise you can do is read the assigned readings
before attending the class.
Successful
Lecture Notes - Twelve Hints
1. Attend class.
2. Take complete notes.
3. Sit where you can see and hear the prof.
4. Read the text book in advance.
5. Take concise notes, date material, write only on one side of the
page.
6. Watch for prof's signals of emphasis, repetition, change in tone.
7. Record prof's examples.
8. Make connections between objectives, textbook, readings.
9. Leave blanks when you drift off - fill in as soon as lecture is
over.
10. Do not stop taking notes during a discussion.
11. Do not stop taking notes toward the end of the class.
12. Review notes as soon as possible after class
(write out abbreviations, check spellings, fill in blanks).
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Note-taking
Hints
Before Class
Reading the text before attending class enables you to
1. Develop the general overview of main ideas, secondary
points, and important concepts.
2. Listen with understanding and determine what
is relevant and irrelevant.
3. Identify familiar terms with unfamiliar terms and concepts.
4. Look up the terms before class.
5. Listen for an explanation during the lecture.
6. Ask the professor for an explanation.
7. Note portions of the material that are unclear.
8. Listen for an explanation during the lecture.
9. Develop questions to ask in class.
10. Look
for other gaps in information which should be clarified or filled in.
During
Class
1. Sit as close as possible to the front of the
class. There are fewer distractions and it is easier to hear, see and
understand important material.
2. Date and number every page, assignment, handout
etc. that you receive when you receive it.
3. Begin notes for each lecture on a new page of
loose-leaf paper. As well, write only on one side of the page. This makes
for greater legibility and allows for more freedom in organization.
4. Personal notes in your own handwriting are easier
to understand and remember than lecture or textbook material. Therefore,
put most notes in your own words. However, the following should be noted
exactly:
Formulae
Definitions
Rules
Specific Facts
5.
Include all main ideas and enough subordinate points, or examples, illustrations,
to clarify understanding.
6. Make your notes brief. Never use a sentence when you can
use a phrase or a phrase when you can use a word. Use abbreviations and
symbols wherever possible.
7. Develop a code system of note-taking to indicate questions, comments,
important points, due dates of assignments, etc. This helps separate extraneous
material from the body of notes and also helps point out areas which are
unclear. Margins are excellent places for coded notations. Some suggested
codes are:
?
- not clear at time of lecture
Imp. or ! - important
Q - questions
A - assignment
C -comment (student's own)
After
Class
1. Collate and file: Organize your notes in a large binder.
2. Consolidate your paper pile: If you receive any handouts, hole punch
them immediately after class and add them to your binder in proper order.
3. Review your notes as soon as possible after the lecture (this dramatically
improves retention).
4. Avoid automation: Do not recopy your notes! This mechanical process
takes a lot of time but very little thought. Instead, write out abbreviations,
correct spelling errors, add detail, write down questions, and draw arrows
to show relationships.
5. Fill the boxes: Fill in any gaps in your notes by talking with your
professor, talking with a classmate, or consulting your textbook.
6. Picture it: Draw diagrams and create illustrations to help explain/support
written text.
7. Connect the thoughts: Make connections between your lecture notes and
your textbook(s), readings, and/or lab content.
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PO Box 5000
Antigonish, Nova Scotia
B2G 2W5
Tel: 902-867-5221
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