Thirteen Hints for Taking Effective Classroom Notes

*From Reading and Study Skills by John Langan

• Keep a written record. Studies have shown that within two weeks you probably will forget 80 percent or more of what you have heard.

• Sit where you will be seen. Sit where the teacher can always see you and where you can see the blackboard easily and clearly.

• Do some advance reading. By doing some advance reading, you will be able to listen and take notes more easily and with greater understanding.

• Record notes systematically. Use full-sized 8 1/2 by 11-inch paper. Use ballpoint pen instead of a pencil. Keep all notes from each course in a separate section of a notebook. Date each day's notes. Take notes on one side of the paper only and leave space at the top of the page and at the left hand margin. Write legibly. To save time, abbreviate terms you use repeatedly. Note prominently exams or quizzes as well as assignments that the teacher gives.

• Use an outline for notes. Start main points at the margin. Indent secondary ideas and supporting details.

• Be alert for signals. Write down whatever the teacher puts on the board. Always write down definitions and enumerations (1., 2., 3., etc.). If your instructor says "This is an important reason . . ." or "The chief cause was . . .," etc., write it down. If your teacher repeats a point, you can usually assume it is important. A teacher's voice may slow down, become louder or otherwise signal that you are expected to write down exactly what is being said, word for word.

• Write down examples. Examples will help you understand complex and abstract points.

• Write down details that connect or explain. Write down the supporting details that connect or explain the lecture's main points, not just the main points alone. As time passes, you may forget the specifics that serve as connecting bridges between key ideas.

• Leave some blank space. Leave blank spaces for items or ideas you miss so you can fill them in later.

• Ask questions. Don't hesitate to ask the instructor questions if certain points are confusing to you.

• Take notes during discussions. Many valuable ideas may come up during informal discussions, ideas your instructor may not present formally later on. If your instructor puts notes on the board during a class discussion, it's a good sign that the material is important.

• Take notes right up to the end of class. Because of time spent on want to cover into the last minutes of class.

• Review your notes soon. While the material is still clear in your mind, make your notes as clear as possible. A day later may be too late because forgetting sets in almost at once.

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