How to take notes in class
When you're sitting in a lecture and the information is coming at you quickly, it's important to know which information to write down so that you can remember it at another time. The key to effective note-taking is to be prepared: complete all pre-readings before the class so that you are already somewhat familiar with the topic and can make knowledgeable notes. Information presented in the lecture that repeats the content of the readings doesn't need to be written down; what you want to capture in your notes are the extra explanations or examples provided by your instructor.
Practical Tips
- Prepare for lectures by completing readings ahead of time and bringing print-outs of PowerPoint slides or lectures notes to class.
- Be an active participant in lectures: ask questions in your head, watch for verbal cues, listen for key phrases and take note of what the instructor writes down.
- Visually format your notes by skipping lines, indenting words, using bullets, drawing arrows, creating concept maps, sketching diagrams and leaving lots of space between topics.
- Even if your instructor posts lecture notes, don't miss class. Most instructors give examples, details, and additional explanations in class to help you understand the material better.
- Pay attention to content that isn’t covered in the readings as this will be the only time you hear of it!
- Problem-based courses rely heavily on written notes, mathematical problems & diagrams. Ensure you write down all the steps of the problem.
- Answer the assigned questions before class and participate in discussions in courses that rely heavily on case studies.
- Science courses rely on understanding the basics first and then building upon those basics.
- Don't try to record everything the instructor says. Listen for and try to understand the basic concepts, then make notes.
- Don’t forget to follow up the lecture by reviewing your notes, rewriting messy parts, filling in gaps, and discussing with friends. Reread your notes to help remember course material.
Also:
- Review your notes before each class.
- Use the margin or draw a column to note key terms or questions you may have.
- Ask your instructor to clarify points you don’t understand.
Note Taking Methods
The Cornell note taking method helps organize class notes into easily digestible summaries. This method is effective because the main points, details, study cues, and summary are all written in one place.
Advantages:
- Notes are neatly organized, summarized, and easy to review
- Allows you to pull out major ideas and concepts
What Does it look like?
The paper is divided into 3 sections: a 2.5” margin to the left, a 2” summary section on the bottom, and a main 6” in-class note section.
- Use the main notes section to take notes during class.
- Use the cues section to review your notes. After class, write down things you’ll need to remember and a prompt for each. You can also use this section for vocabulary words and study questions.
- In the summary segment at the bottom, write a summary of your notes. This is where you will highlight the main points.
The Mapping note taking method is a more visual way to organize your class notes. This technique is useful when learning about relationships between topics.
Advantages:
- Useful for visual learners who struggle with studying from notes.
- Helps you remember and connect relationships between topics.
What Does it look like?
The page is organized by topic. The main topics branch out into subtopics with detailed information about each.
How Do You Use It?
- While in class, begin the map with the main topic.
- Branching off the main topic, write a heading for each of the subtopics.
- Write any important notes underneath each subtopic.
- Continue the pattern.
The Outlining note taking method uses headings and bullet points to organize topics. This method is most useful when learning about topics that include a lot of detail.
Advantages:
- Allows notes to be neatly organized.
- It is easy to see the relationship between topics and subtopics.
- It is easy to turn points into study questions.
What Does it look like?
Each section starts with a heading of the main topic. Each subtopic and supporting fact is written underneath the proper heading.
How Do You Use It?
- During a lesson, begin your notes with a single bullet point and write the main topic.
- Place the first subtopic below and indented slightly to the right.
- List any details below your heading and slightly to the right.
Charting note taking method uses columns to organize information. This method is useful for lessons that cover a lot of facts or relationships between topics.
Advantages:
- Facts are organized and easy to review.
- Highlights key pieces of information for each topic.
What Does it look like?
The page is divided into columns labeled by category. The details of each category are filled out in the rows below.
How Do You Use It?
- When information about a category is mentioned, jot it down underneath the proper column.
- When the next topic begins move down one row and begin again.
The Sentence note taking method is simply writing down each topic as a jot note sentence. This method works well for fast paced lessons where a lot of information is being covered.
Advantages:
- Jotting main points helps you determine which information is important and which is not.
- You are able to cover a lot of details and information quickly.
- Notes are simplified for study and review.
What Does it look like?
Each line on the page is a new and separate topic. To organize your notes even more, you can use headings for each main topic.
How Do You Use It?
- Write down important information the teacher has emphasized. This can be in sentence form or point form.
- Start a new sentence or point for each new detail.
- Use headings to organize points by main topics.