MUSE - A Spartan Scholar from the Start: Taking Effective Notes
Taking Effective Notes
Taking notes will be a key part of your college studies. You’ll
take notes during class, while reading course materials, and while
conducting research in the library. Taking notes helps you to pay
attention, stay alert, focus on the organization of material to aid
in understanding it, and provides reference material to help you in
learning new material. Listed below are some tips for effective note-taking.
- Be sure you have done the required reading before class—that
will help you in organizing the notes you’ll take in class
when the reading is discussed. Review your notes from the last class
too.
- Have a separate notebook for each course and keep all of your
course materials and notes organized in the notebook.
- Don’t attempt to write down every word. Use abbreviations
to save time. Listen for key concepts and paraphrase them when you
take your notes.
- Watch for words that signal that important points are coming—for
example, “finally …”, “the three key points
are …”, “in contrast …”
- Read your notes soon after class is over so you can fill in any
missing pieces and figure out where you have questions you’ll
want to check into when studying.
- If you are having difficulty with course content, try these study
techniques: Take notes while you read. Outline the chapter. Paraphrase
key concepts. Create a glossary of terms.
- Be sure your notes are dated and the topic clearly noted at the
top to help you organize your notes.
- Experiment with different note-taking techniques to find one
that works for you—one that helps you to learn and understand
the material. Ask other students how they take notes—you may
get some helpful ideas from them. Visit your professor during office
hours and ask him or her to look at your notes and provide feedback.
Check the Internet for web sites with tips on note-taking.
print
email