NOTE-TAKING TIPS
Much of what you need to learn to do well in any course will be covered
in the class itself. One way to get the most out of each class is to take
good notes. Taking brief notes will help you zero-in on the important
points and concepts, or main ideas. Writing down the main ideas will help
you learn and remember them, and starts the test preparation process.
Remember to Be an Active Listener:
Sit in the front of the class so that you can hear and see what's going
on; try to make sense out of what the instructor is saying; try to connect
what the instructor is saying with what you already know; see if you can
"picture" in your mind what is being said; spend most of your
time listening, not writing; and listen for cue words, transitions, and
points of emphasis. Actively participate in class and ask questions.
Class Notes:
- Save a page at the beginning of your notebook to record daily topics
and date each day's notes.
- Leave room to fill in areas that you might have missed in class.
- Do not try to write down every word the instructor says. Don't write
paragraphs of information -only notes.
- Use abbreviations and graphic signs whenever possible.
- Look for key or new phrases used repeatedly by the instructor. Examples
of things to write down:
1. What the instructor writes on the chalkboard or tells you to note.
2. Words the instructor uses over and over.
3. Anything that the instructor spends time emphasizing.
- Write notes to yourself in the margin & write "L" when
you feel lost.
- Recopy notes following each lecture, write notes in outline form,
and use only one side of the paper.
- Read assignments daily so that you know about the topic to be discussed.
- Review notes within 24 hr., and weekly conduct short reviews. Offer
to swap notes with a classmate, it will benefit both of you.
*Studies have shown that two weeks after a lecture, you will have forgotten
80% of what you heard, and after four weeks -95% -so take, recopy, and
review notes!
(Adapted from UM's New Student Program and earlier MEOC
materials, 6/96sd)
MAINE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY CENTER
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