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Note-Taking

Note-Taking Tips Before, During, and After Class

Before Class 

  • Read (or at least skim) the assigned chapter, readings, Canvas page(s), Powerpoint slides, or any other material that your instructor has provided that will help you prepare for class. 
  • Read through your notes from previous class sessions.  This helps you make connections and retain information.
  • If you are attending an in-person class, sit where you can easily see and hear.
  • Turn off your cell phone or put it on silent to reduce distractions.
  • Have all of your materials (such as pens, paper, and textbook) handy. 
  • Have more than one writing utensil with you just in case something happens to the one that you are using.
  • Select the note-taking system that works best for the class you’re attending.

During Class

  • Date and number each page of your notes.
  • Listen actively and focus clearly on the presentation.
  • Use your own abbreviations and codes to increase the speed of your writing.
  • Leave space between main ideas and when you miss an idea.
  • Record when the instructor emphasizes main ideas or details by underlining, circling, etc.

After Class

  • Compare your notes with a classmate's notes.  This can help you fill in information that you might have missed and help you check for accuracy and understanding.
  • Review and edit your notes to fill in any missing details or to clarify anything that may not be clear.
  • Summarize your notes with marginal phrases, and identify potential test questions.
  • Check your notes against the textbook, and if there are discrepencies, email your professor, attend office hours to seek clarification, or ask your instructor for clarification at the next in-person or Zoom class session.
  • Review your notes within 24 hours or taking them and also before the next class.
  • Use your notes to write summaries and other guides for active learning.
  • Keep your notes in a secure place; you worked hard on these, and you don't want them getting lost.
  • You might consider scanning or taking pictures of your notes just in case they get lost.  Then, you still have a record of them.

As a quick reminder, note-taking and studying are iterative processes.