Note Taking
Tips for Taking Notes
Note taking is exactly what it sounds like - taking down brief thoughts (or notes) when reading (yes, reading!) or during a lecture.(whether live or recorded).
- Develop a system for taking notes. See information on the Cornell Method below. If this method doesn't work for you, find one that does.
- Writing things down helps you to process and understand challenging material.
- If the instructor says "this is important", make a note of it.
- If the instructor provides PowerPoints or other notes, read them before class. This preparation will help you take more meaningful notes during class or the recorded lecture.
- Review your notes as soon as you can after class (preferably within 24 hours) while it is still fresh in your mind.
- After reading your notes, you find you are unsure of a particular concept, review the concept in your textbook for clarification.
- Research has shown that if you re-write your notes, you will understand the material better and it will stick with you.
- If you don't understand a concept in your notes, contact your instruction for an explanation - either face-to-face or by email. Don't wait until test time because, by then, it will be too late!
- Good notes will be an asset when you review for an exam.
- Take notes by hand rather than on your computer. Studies have shown that students have a deeper understanding and greater recall of information when notes are taken by hand.
Watch this video (1:00) to learn what the Cornell method is:
Learn how to use Cornell Notes (4:05) video: