TOP 5 TIPS ON TAKING LECTURE NOTES EFFECTIVELY

Learning how to take notes effectively during classes and lectures is a college student’s first step to making the transition from school to college easier. Once you master the art of taking notes, preparing for exams will become considerably less taxing and significantly more enjoyable.

1. Come prepared to class

Work with a three-ring binder instead of a spiral or bound book. It’s easier to remove pages for reviewing.

Bring highlighters to class. Professors will typically make comments like, "this is an important concept" or "make sure you understand this". These are important hints that this content will more than likely be on an exam and highlighting them will remind you of this later.


2. Improve your listening skills


Make a conscious effort to pay attention.

Try not to zone out when a lecture takes an unexpected detour, for instance, if a student asks a question you aren't particularly interested in. You may take this opportunity to tune out, but before you know it, the lecture gets back on track, and you’ve missed important information that should have been noted.


3. Organize your material for easy reference

Start each new lecture on a new page; date and number each page for easy reference later.

Write on one side of the paper only. You can set them out side-by-side for easier reviewing when studying for an exam.

Leave blank spaces as this will allow you to add comments or questions later.

Develop a system of abbreviations and symbols you can use wherever possible.

Mark or underline all unfamiliar words or concepts. This will remind you to look them up later.


4. Pay close attention to content

Knowing precisely what and how much to note down is sometimes difficult. Rely on some of the following tips for what to include in your notes.

Always include details, facts, or explanations that expand or explain the main points that are mentioned. Don't forget to include examples.

Make a note of definitions, word for word.

Jot down enumerations or lists of things that are discussed.


5. Go over and edit your notes

Reviewing and editing class notes is the most important part of note taking.

It is extremely important to review your notes within 24 hours while the concepts are still fresh in your memory.

Edit words and phrases that are illegible or don't make sense and write out abbreviated form for more clarity.

Note anything you don't understand by underlining or highlighting it to remind you to get a clarification from the professor.

Consider rewriting or typing up your notes.