Note-Taking Guidelines
- Attend all classes. It will enhance the chance you will get a passing grade.
- Read all of the assigned material before class. You will better understand the lecture.
- Learn the terminology used in the textbook.
- Sit near the front of the classroom to help you avoid distractions like windows, doorways and other classmates.
- Be prepared with the necessary supplies. Pens, paper and a divided notebook to keep notes organized.
- Don’t try to write down everything the instructor says, choose only the important topics or ideas.
- Put ideas into your own words.
- Organize notes into some type of logical form.
- Be sure your notes are legible so that when you review them you understand what you have written down.
- Use abbreviations. There are many standard abbreviations but you may also come up with you own.
- Try leaving space between concepts or ideas to help make them stand out or give you room to add more information when you review your notes.
- Don’t be too concerned with spelling or grammar, just be certain you will be able to read your notes at a later time.
- Be sure to put a page number on your notes especially if you are using loose leaf paper.
- Try not to doodle or play with your pens, it will break your concentration.
- Use color coding to distinguish different types of information and to organize notes.
- Make sure you mark important information that the instructor says with an asterisk, arrow, etc.
