Note Taking Tips and Outlining
Why is it important to take notes?
SHOCKING STATISTIC! Studies show that students forget 95% of what was taught in class - unless they take notes! On top of that, professors actually TELL you what is on the test during the lecture - why WOULDN'T you want to write it down? Even if you're a "good listener", it's important to at least outline the content of the lecture and jot down what the professor emphasizes. The act of writing, itself, actually helps you stay engaged in learning as well as retain the info.
There are actual SYSTEMS designed for effective Note-Taking. Check em out!
- Cornell Method [PDF] | Cornell Method [JPG]
- Charting Method [PDF]
- Outline Method [PDF] | Outline Style [JPG]
- Concept Mapping [PDF] | Mapping A.K.A. Graphic Organizing [JPG]
- T-Method
Notes on Notes on Notes... (A.K.A. Tips & Tricks)
- Do it up! Your notes only need to make sense and be appealing to YOU. Use colored pens, draw concepts if you're a visual person - whatever works for your unique style.
- If you review your notes regularly - even just 10 minutes per week, per class - you’ll have an edge and familiarity when it's time to study for exams
- If the professor provides the notes online, print them out before class and bring them in.
- If you missed anything, just leave a space so you can fill it in later, after speaking with the professor or a classmate
- Make up your own abbreviations and symbols to save time when writing. Check out this example
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