TAKING AND STUDYING CLASSROOM NOTES

Take effective classroom notesStudy and remember your notes

13 HINTS FOR TAKING CLASSROOM NOTES

1. Get down a complete and written record of each class.

when in doubt, write it down the more complete your notes,

the more likely you are to master the material

writing too much, rather than too little, may mean the difference between passing and failing

13 HINTS FOR TAKING CLASSROOM NOTES2. Sit where the teacher can see you,

preferably near the front of the room.

your position will help you stay tuned to what is happening in class

check your attitude: are you hiding to avoid being called on, or are you out of sight because you don’t really want to be there?

13 HINTS FOR TAKING CLASSROOM NOTES3. Read in advance. by doing advance reading, you will

be able to listen and take notes more easily and with greater understanding

this becomes even more important when the subject is a difficult one for you

13 HINTS FOR TAKING CLASSROOM NOTES4. Record notes like this: Use 8½ x 11 paper Keep notes from each course/subject in

a separate loose-leaf notebook Date each day’s notes Take notes on only one side of the paper Write legibly Abbreviate recurring terms Circle exam dates and enter a large “A”

for assignment in the margin

13 HINTS FOR TAKING CLASSROOM NOTES5. Try to write down notes in outline

form. Main points

– Secondary points– Supporting details

•Subordinate details (such as examples)

13 HINTS FOR TAKING CLASSROOM NOTES6. Watch for signs of importance.Write down: what your teacher writes on the

board definitions or lists what the teacher emphasizes repeated points points emphasized by voice cues

13 HINTS FOR TAKING CLASSROOM NOTES7. Write down any examples the

teacher provides

Mark these with “ex”

13 HINTS FOR TAKING CLASSROOM NOTES8. Record details that connect or

explain main points. Bridges between key ideas help

you remember the relationship Record explanations for formulas

or numerical problems

13 HINTS FOR TAKING CLASSROOM NOTES9. Leave blank spaces for items or

ideas you miss. Ask another student or your

teacher to fill in the gaps right after class

If you fall behind in taking notes, try to get down at least the main idea

13 HINTS FOR TAKING CLASSROOM NOTES10. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if

you become confused.

Others are likely to have the same questions

Teachers look favorably on students who show interest and curiosity

13 HINTS FOR TAKING CLASSROOM NOTES11. Keep taking notes during

discussion.

Valuable ideas may come up that are not presented formally by the teacher

13 HINTS FOR TAKING CLASSROOM NOTES12. Keep taking notes at the end of

the class. Teachers may cram important

points into the last minutes of class

Prepare to write rapidly Resist fatigue and daydreaming

13 HINTS FOR TAKING CLASSROOM NOTES13. Review your notes. As soon as possible after class Finish incomplete sentences/ideas Write out abbreviations Mark important ideas, lists,

definitions Improve the organization to accent

main ideas and supporting points

STUDYING CLASS NOTES

Review within 24 hours.

Forgetting begins immediately A few minutes now gives you more

learning for less time and effort

STUDYING CLASS NOTES

Use the margin space.

Jot down key words or phrases that will help you recall the main ideas

STUDYING CLASS NOTES

Turn the margin words into questions.

Test yourself on the material Test on each new question and

repeat the previous questions until you have them memorized

PRACTICE TAKING NOTES

Lecture about listening.1. What is the listening problem that

many people have?2. What are common talking and listening

speeds?3. What are 3 techniques to help you pay

attention when someone else is talking?4. What is the most important step you

can take to become a better listener?