Back to top

HOW TO TAKE NOTES:

•  Read the textbook chapter/s ahead of time.
  Why? 

• You'll be able to take notes as you read, which will reinforce your understanding and memory of what you're reading.  I
• Also, when you don't understand something you're reading, you'll be able to make a list of questions. If your questions aren't answered in your instructor's lecture/discussion, then you'll know what to ask in class.
• In addition, when you're in class, you'll be able to focus on and understand what the instructor is saying. You won't have to read and follow in the textbook and follow what your instructor is saying.  The less you tax and overwhelm your brain, the better it will help you remember the subject matter. Understanding will help you take better notes.

•  Know relevant vocabulary.
  Why? 

• Knowing the vocabulary will help you to take quick notes because you will understand what the instructor is saying.  Your brain won't need to take the time to try to translate the words.  Instead, your brain can expend its energy on learning. 
  
  Remember, vocabulary is really just an area's "jargon."  Think of vocabulary this way:  If you have some type of hobby, it has its own vocabulary/jargon, which you already know.  Car buffs know about carburetors, engines, torque, and so on.  Musicians know about lyrics, melody, verses, refrains, notes, and so on.  Jargon/vocabulary is the same with academic courses.  For example, in order to understand computers and talk to other people about them, you need to know its jargon, such as:  hard drive, disk, monitor, keyboard, mouse, point, click, icons, saving, deleting, toolbars, format, programming, database, word processing, and so on.  In English, you need to know such jargon as subjects, verbs, tense, style, independent clauses, outlines, and so on.  In nursing, you need to know sutures, assessments, interventions, and so on.  Once you put vocabulary in this context, you'll find it easier to learn.

•  Identify unfamiliar terms or ideas ahead of time.
  Why? 

• If you pinpoint terms and/or ideas ahead of class time, you can spend some time reading and thinking about them.  That way, your brain will be prepared to learn when your instructor begins his/her explanations.
• You can also make a list of these terms/ideas.  If your instructor doesn't cover them in his/her lecture, or if you still don't understand them after he/she does, you can ask about them during or after class.  Remember, if you don't understand, there are probably many other students who not understand.
• Knowing ahead of time the terms/concepts that you find difficult, you can leave room in your notes for the instructor's explanation/s.
• Once your instructor does explain the terms/concepts, you can add the explanations to your notes.

•  Sit near the front, center of the room.   
  Why? 

•  Take notes in black or blue ink.
  Why?

•  Attempt to organize your notes.
  Why?

•  Put the date, class, page number, and your name in an upper corner of your notes.  Try to do it before class.
   Why? 

• Doing it before class means you won't forget.
• If you were to lose your notes, someone may find them and return them to you or to the lost and found. 
• You won't get different classes mixed up together. 

•  Leave 1" margins on the left and right sides of your note paper.  Use the middle of the page for taking notes.
  Why?

• There will be things you will need to add to your notes, either in class or after.  You can add that information in those margins.
• You need to add any information that you didn't have time to add in class within about 24 hours of your class.

Back to top

SETS OF NOTES:

•  First set of notes :  Take these notes as you're reading your textbook.  Note points, details, and any questions you may have. Organize them as you go.
   
•  Second set of notes :  Take these notes in class.  Do the best you can to organize them as you go, but realize that it will be difficult, since you need to listen to the instructor and think about the material.
   
•  Third set of notes :  After class, input any information you did not have time to write down or any information that you forgot to write down.
   
•  Fourth set of notes : Merge all of your notes.  If you can type, type them.
   
•  Fifth set of notes:  Organize this final set of notes.  Organizing them will help you think and will help your brain remember the information.
   
• Sixth set of notes: Optional.  Make a puzzle from your notes. Cut them into lines or several lines, then try to put them back together where they belong.  Doing so will make sure you know the information.  This tactic is works especially well for tactile learners.

THE FIVE R's OF NOTE-TAKING:

• RECORD - (This is your first set of notes.)  Read your text book chapter/s.  Take notes as you read. (This is your first set of notes.)
  Why?  This will help you remember your text information, understand your instructor in class, and ask questions in class.

• Take notes in class (This is your second set of notes.)

• Take notes in the style that works best for you.  That could be outline form, paragraphs, concept maps, or any other style.  
  Why?  Different types of notes work for different types of people.  There is not one correct way.

• Label major topics and subtopics.  Underline, indent, and use numbers, where necessary.  
  Why?  Organizing helps your brain think.

• Write legibly.
  Why?  If you cannot read your notes, they cannot help you.  In addition, your brain will not have to work as hard at deciphering your notes and expend its energy on thinking and learning.

• Look and listen for visual and verbal clues                                                                     that indicate important points, such as a list of sub-points, vocal emphasis, repetition, and pauses.
  Why?  Not everything is something you need to write down.  You need to learn what is important and what is trivial.

• Use abbreviations or your own made-up shorthand.  Don't bother with such words as "the," "a," "an" etc. You don't need to use complete sentences.  
  Why?  This gives you time to think about the information being presented.  

• If you have questions, ask.
  Why?  (1)  That's the only way your instructor has of knowing whether students are understanding the information.  (2) Seeking answers to problems is one of the biggest parts of being a critical thinker.  How else can you understand and process the information into long term memory?  Plus, if you don't understand, it is quite likely that other students do not understand.

Back to top

• REDUCE - (This is your second set of notes.) After class - or within 24 hours - review your notes. Fill in gaps.  Add points you didn't have time to write down in class but can still remember.  In the left hand column, summarize your notes using key words or thoughts; answer questions; and give examples.
  Why?  If you wait more than 24 hours, you will forget the information you need to fill in the missing pieces.  Also, once you get into this habit, you won't panic over a missed point during class.  You'll be able to get with your instructor later (or the textbook).  

Back to top

• RECITE - This is the process of repeating to yourself any information that you want to memorize.  Reciting works best when lists or words need to be memorized.  Reciting does not help well with comprehension.  
  Why?  Remembering something is not the same as understanding something.

Back to top

• REFLECT - Think about the material.  Try to state it in your own words.
  Why? Taking notes is not enough to get information into your long term memory.  You must understand the material.  In order to understand, you must think beyond the superficial level, and make connections to other things you have studied, learned, or know. If you can make connections, then state the new information in your own words, you will understand it better.

Back to top

• REVIEW - Review your notes many times.
  Why?  Reviewing will ensure that you understood the information clearly.  OVER LEARN the material.  Do a daily, 10 minute review after each lecture.  Do a weekly review of about one hour.  Do a pre-exam review beginning a week or so before the test.  Spread the pre-exam review over several days.

Back to top

• Combine your class notes and your text book notes. (This is your fourth set of notes.)
  Why?  Organizing the information from both is a form a studying and will help your remember the information.

• Reorganize your notes (class/text).  (This is your fifth set of notes.)
  Why?  Organizing helps your brain remember.  

Back to top