Orientation

Note Taking

Why take notes?

• It triggers basic lecturing processes and helps you to remember information.
• It helps you to concentrate in class.
• It helps you prepare for tests.
• Your notes are often a source of valuable clues for what information the instructor thinks most important (i.e., what will show up on the next test).
• Your notes often contain information that cannot be found elsewhere (i.e., in your textbook).

Evaluate your present note-taking system.  Ask yourself:

• Did I use complete phrases or sentences that mean something to me later?
• Did I use any form at all?
• Are my notes clear or confusing?
• Did I capture main points and all subpoints?
• Did I streamline using abbreviations and shortcuts?

If you answered "no" to any of these questions, you may need to develop some new note-taking skills!