The Note Taking Process
"I hear and I forget.
I see and I remember.
I do and I learn.
In the doing is the understanding."
Ancient Chinese Proverb
Lectures
Readings
Discussions
Instructor Cues
Whatever the instructor writes on the board is important. WRITE IT DOWN!
Be ready for verbal cues: Pay attention to words and phrases, such as "chief," "significant," "major," "This material will be on the test."
Notice when the instructor raises his voice repeating an idea, word, or definition.
Be aware of the instructor's body language, increased pacing, and gesturing.
If the instructor reads from the text, note the page number, if possible. If it's from material you don't have, write down as much as possible.
time to organize the material
intentions to remember (that is, what you hope to gain from this)
testing yourself
repetition
 Introduction |
Taking good notes, either in class or from a reading assignment, is vital. Without good notes, you cannot hope to recapture what you learned from your professor or the reading. Before proceeding, take a moment to fill out the Note Taking Survey to see how your note taking skills are currently. Note Taking Survey (helpful hints in taking notes) |
Observe |
OBSERVE: Observations determine what will be written down. These observations are based on |
Record |
RECORD: This is your ACTUAL WRITTEN record of the material.
Often your professors will provide ways through which you can determine what is important in their lectures, so pay attention to their voices, movement, and actions.
|
Review |
REVIEW: In order to retain material over the long term, it is essential to spend time learning the new information. This step will increase effectiveness of the next observation. Reviewing should include |
