Note-taking and Participating in Class

Observe, Record, and Review

OBSERVE.  Focus your attention on the details, then tap your creative energy to discover patterns.  Set the stage by:

• completing outside assignments (READ the text before class!)
• bringing the right materials like pencil, calculator, and a notebook
• keep yourself in the moment and avoid daydreaming
• participate in class activities
• be alert to repetition
• highlight the obvious clues

RECORD.  The format and structure of your notes are more important than how fast you write or how good your handwriting is.

• use key words
• use abbreviations - but remember what your abbreviations mean!
• use pictures and diagrams
• write notes in paragraphs if you are unsure how to organize them
• copy material from the board, PowerPoints, and overhead projector
• use 3 x 5 index cards
• label, number, and date all notes
• leave blank space in your notes to fill in sections you may have missed
• take notes in different colors
• common note-taking methods include the Cornell, Outlining, Mapping, Charting, and Sentence methods

REVIEW.  Consider the reviewing process as an important part of note-taking rather than an added task.

• review your notes within 24 hours in an effort to transfer the information from short-term to long-term memory
• edit your notes - for example, rewrite words that are illegible
• fill in key words in the left-hand column
• use your key words as cues to recite
• consider typing up your notes
• create mind map summaries

Retrieved from Ellis, D.  (2006).  Becoming a master student (11th ed.).  Boston: Houghton-Mifflin.