Tips For Taking Notes

1
Tips For Taking Notes

• You should already know how to take notes. Here
  are some tricks to make you more effective.

2
Set Up Paper

• Name, class and date right hand corner
• Cornell Notes
• Give all notes a title
• Draw a line down the length of the paper about
  one-third of the way from the left margin.

3
Take Notes

• Talk to the Text Turn all bold headings into
  questions and write down information from the
  text as you read that helps you to answer those
  questions.
• Paraphrase the text or lecturer in the right
  column. Add topic and sub-topic headings and
  questions in the left column.
• Read listen carefully to identify important
  information.
• Use memory cues such as capital letters,
  underlining, stars, arrows or pictures.
• Dont worry about spelling
• Use abbreviations or a shorthand that works for
  you.

4
After Class

• Edit your notes as soon as possible. Reread them
  and make additions and clarifications, as needed.
• Work with a partner when you find it useful.
• Use a highlighter to emphasize important points.
• Note any points that should be clarified with the
  lecturer at the next class session.
• Fill in the left column with questions, symbols
  and memory keys.

5
Review Notes

• Review notes regularly after class, then every
  two or three days, and finally before a test.
  Quick Reviews
• Cover the right column with blank paper. Use the
  questions, symbols and memory clues in the left
  column as cues either to rewrite the information
  in the right column or to say it aloud.
• Reflect on the notes. Summarize them and try to
  come up with examples.