Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning

Effective note taking is more than just recording or transcribing. It is an active part of the learning process, which requires rapid acquisition of knowledge and rewriting key points in a way that suits your learning style. Once you have fully prepared for the lesson, optimize your note taking process. These steps along with quick editing and rearrangement can help you become a better writer.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: Prepare for the lesson

1. 

   Complete the reading before class. Teachers give the text so that you can become familiar with the topics that need class discussion. If you finish reading before class, you already know many overview details. At that time, you can focus on noting key concepts.
   • Also, before class, don't forget to read through the notes from the previous class. Thanks to that, you will know the stops from the previous lesson and all the information needed for the next session.

2. 

   
   
   Find study materials and lecture outlines online. If your teacher provides a basic outline, PowerPoint lesson, or even a baseline summary for the next class, make use of them. Think of them as the framework of a house, which you would then complete and decorate with taking notes.
   • It can be easy to get into just printing out an outline or lecture and then skipping notes for hours or just jotting down a few things quickly on printed material, one place or another. However, it's much better to use these documents to build your own notes. That is the best way to process information, which is ultimately the purpose of taking notes.

3. 

   
   
   Consider the pros and cons of typing in class. Many students are more comfortable typing than taking notes. Even so, there are reasons to consider using the traditional, reliable pen and paper method. Some studies show that handwritten students can understand and remember text better. With a laptop, it is very easy to fall into a state of pure rewrite. That's when you try to type in everything you hear instead of actively identifying what is the most important information to record. Handwriting can help you focus better.
   • On the other hand, using a laptop or other electronic device makes it easier to format, save, edit, share, and re-read (without worrying about scribbling).
   • There are loads of note-taking support available for laptops, such as: the “notebook layout” format available in Microsoft Word, software that connects lecture recording with your notes, chapters note organizer lets you merge documents from different types and formats like email or PDF files, a linked note-taking platform that lets you combine notes with others at the same time . They can be the lifesaver or distraction. Only you can judge which is the most effective for you.
   • Some teachers and schools prohibit the use of laptops in classrooms. So don't underestimate the need to know how to take notes by hand.

4. 

   
   
   Sit near the top of the room. Choose a classroom position where you will be less distracted. You will then be able to concentrate and take better notes. Find a place where you can see and hear the instructor clearly. You should also see the board clearly. Come to class a little earlier to choose your seat.
   • If you find yourself distracted by the noise of a few other students, the air-conditioning fan, or unfortunately are being blown away from the projector screen, discreetly change your seats if you can, without any significant impact. to class. If you can't, do your best during that class and find another position next time.

5. 

   Ensure adequate reserves for taking notes. If you are taking notes by hand, bring a pen, pencil and spare paper with you. If taking notes on a laptop or other electronic device, make sure they have sufficient batteries and are ready as soon as class begins.
   • Some people like to use removable sticky notes that spread out across the desk or floor while studying. Others feel that the notebook will be more neat.

6. 

   Include date and topic of lecture for your notebook. Make sure notes are clearly noted for easy reference later. Write the date and topic of your lecture at the top of each page.
   • If you have multiple notebook pages, don't forget to number the pages as well. As a result, keeping notes in order will be easier.

7. 

   Consider formatting options for your notes. The tidy and tidy notes at the start, the easier they will be to understand, edit and study later. The outline format is an option for you, especially if a lecture is structured and / or presented as such. In this format, you will write section headings. Below that, comments are recorded as bullet points, and supporting comments are recorded with smaller bullet points. This is much better than writing things like new, peer-to-peer.
   • Note that teachers are not always structured in terms of presenting main points and supporting points. Remember, you may have to rearrange your notes after class.
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Part 2 of 4: Optimizing your notes

1. 

   Remember to take notes instead of jotting down your lecture. For better note taking, you need to be an "active listener". This means not just recording what you hear. Instead, you should focus on the lesson and decide what is essential part of what is presented.
   • For example, instead of spending time rewriting every detail of Theodore Roosevelt's foreign policy actions, try to establish key concepts in his general foreign policy and identify examples. clarify.That way, you have begun the process of learning and understanding (in other words, acquiring knowledge).
   • The need for this active interaction is one of the reasons many experts oppose the recording of lectures.
   • If you are determined to record the lecture or have a good reason to do so, before proceeding, consult your professor. Lectures are considered intellectual property of professors. Additionally, some schools have specific policies for recording.

2. 

   Listen to your introduction carefully. Don't waste warm-up time taking notes at the start of the class. Get ready from the start.
   • Lectures usually begin by going straight to the points that will be covered, or at least calling out the direct “clue” of what is about to be learned. Listening carefully to grasp the content orientations at the beginning of the lecture will help you organize and identify what is the most important part.
   • Do not pay attention to people who are late or not ready for taking notes.

3. 

   Take note of what is written on the board. Every teacher arranges the lecture into some kind of outline, even if it's not really clear or is not followed during the lecture. Information contained in lecture slides will give you suggestions for reliable writing placement and presentation.

4. 

   Learn to capture the instructor's cues and suggestions. They will use verbal expressions, hand signs, and other implied ways to emphasize important parts of the talk. Start by observing these expressions and gestures to realize what important information is.
   • Recognize the main idea by identifying signal words and phrases, showing that something is important, to follow. Teachers won't fire rockets when presenting an important new idea or giving examples. However, they will use signals to convey what they are doing. Every skilled speaker does, and you should expect to see the markings above. Examples include:
     • There are three reasons why ...
     • First, second, third...
     • The importance of this is ...
     • The effect of this is ...
     • From here, we can see ...
   • You also need to learn to recognize other clues. When giving the main idea, the teacher may speak slowly or louder, repeat a word or phrase, pause longer before continuing (perhaps even drinking water), signaling with hands more clearly. , stop walking around and / or look more intently at the listener, ...

5. 

   Build your own shorthand method. Stenography is a way to use shortcuts so you don't have to write down every word. You can also take notes faster - an essential skill in class listening. However, when taking notes, don't use real stenography like a shorthand practitioner. This requires quite a long record. Instead, develop a system of shortcuts, abbreviations, symbols, sketches, ... Even if no one understands, you will know what you mean.
   • Abbreviate and remove unimportant words for effective note-taking. Record only the key words needed to get the idea. Ignore words like "is" and "then", words that don't add meaning to the lecture. Signing helps you write quick articles, such as arrows to indicate an increase / decrease or a cause-and-effect relationship, and especially an abbreviation for terms that are repeated over and over again (e.g. QHQT for quan international system).
   • Re-describe everything but specific formulas and definitions or content that will most likely have to quote verbatim in the test.
   • Underline, circle, star, color or similar to other important examples, definitions or content. Set up a separate marking system for each type of information.
   • Try drawing diagrams or illustrations of concepts that you cannot immediately express or understand immediately. For example, draw pie charts to roughly show the relative strength of political parties in a given election instead of writing down details.

6. 

   
   
   Write clearly. Make sure letters and letters have enough space and clarity for you to read them again. There's nothing more frustrating than failing to reread your own notes, especially when studying for biology exams.

7. 

   Make room for later note-taking and editing. Don't try to cram as much as you can on the page. Leave plenty of room for you to freely edit and annotate later. It also makes it easier for you to read and recieve information.

8. 

   
   
   Focus on the end of the lecture. It is easy to lose focus as the clock moves towards the end of class. Other students might start packing up and whispering about what to use for lunch. However, the end of the lecture is just as important as the introduction in giving the overall picture as well as key concepts and themes.
   • If there is a summary at the end of the lecture, focus on it. You can use it to check the post's texture. If it seems that your notes are not really organized or streamlined, make a note of the main idea mentioned in the summary. It will help you to edit your notes later.

9. 

   
   
   Make a question. During the class as well as at the end of the lecture, be sure to ask questions about the unknown. When other students ask a question, take note of the question as well as the teacher's response. This additional information will probably also answer your question.
   • If you are afraid that you are delaying the class with questions (and annoying others who have stepped one foot out of the door), ask your professor after class. Most likely you will find many other students do the same and also listen to, consult and exchange their questions.
   • You can also bring your question list to your professor during office hours.
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Part 3 of 4: Editing notes

1. 

   Review your notes as soon as possible. Do it within 24 hours of finishing class. By that point, you may have forgotten 80% of the lecture. Learn more deeply based on what you just learned instead of learning the entire content.

2. 

   Edit, don't copy. Think of the class note as a draft and your revision as your edited version. Create a new record. This is especially helpful if your notes are unsystematic, cluttered or wordy, and difficult to read. Don't just write it down. How do you turn this part into an active editing process?
   • Use clues regarding the main structure and concept that you selected during the lecture to organize your writing.
   • Add bad notes with content from the textbook.

3. 

   Mark the important part of the lecture. When editing your notes, take time to highlight or underline important parts of your lecture. Use a highlighter or pen to color-code repetitive concepts. Marked notes will be of great value at the start of exam revision. They allow you to quickly and effectively recall the essential content of each lesson.

4. 

   Take notes for absences. If you are unable to attend class due to illness or any other reason, do not forget to borrow and copy notes from classmates. At the same time, please talk with the instructor to be able to understand the content of the lesson.
   • Don't depend on a pre-sale service. Most universities have a policy that prohibits these types of notes. Remember, using your purchased notes is not “active learning,” which will aid you in understanding and remembering the text.
   • If you have a physical or similar disability that makes taking notes difficult, talk to your professors and student support services about possible options. Most likely there will be a multitude of options available to you, such as special lesson instructions, note-taking assistance, permission to record lessons or tutorials.
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Part 4 of 4: Try the Cornell notation method

1. 

   Divide the page into three sections. The Cornell method is a note taking method in which you will first take down the main idea and then develop questions from those notes.Divide the page in half by drawing a vertical line about 8 cm from the left margin. Extend this line most of the page, about 5 cm from the bottom edge of the page.
   • For laptop users, there are programs that can help you format your writing software using the Cornell Method.

2. 

   Write the main idea of ​​the lecture. In the largest part of the divided page, make a note of the main idea of ​​the lecture while listening to the lecture. Leave enough room for editing later.
   • More examples, charts, graphs, and other stuff are exchanged within the class.

3. 

   Ask yourself questions after class. The left side of the page is used to create questions from your notes yourself. These questions can help clarify ideas, definitions, ... Review notes within one to two days, thereby ensuring better retrieval of information.
   • You can build potential test questions from this document. What do you think the instructor would ask in a test?
   • When reviewing your notes, preparing for the test, cover the right side of the page and see if you can answer the question on the left side.

4. 

   The lecture notes summary is at the bottom of the page. Use the footer section to summarize the notes contained on the page. It will help you recall the important points in this part of the lesson. advertisement

Advice

• If you miss a class, take notes in your notebook so you don't forget it. This will help you remember to borrow notes from your classmates instead of skipping the entire lesson.
• Have the right attitude. Good hearing is related to paying attention or not. Be mentally prepared, ready to accept whatever your professor might say, even if you disagree with it.
• Gather and keep notes for each subject in the same place, a separate notebook or part of a notebook. Make sure your notes are in order and with a clear title. Consider using a loose pad instead of a fixed-spine notebook - so you can organize your notes in the most efficient way when you need test review.

Warning

• Avoid doing anything that might distract you or others from taking notes, such as doodling or rotating pens. These activities disrupt eye contact and concentration and are also annoying for those around them. So if doodling or rotating pens help you study well, sit next to someone who shares the same habits or find a more secluded position.