Notetaking+Strategies+and+Tips


 * Note-Taking Strategies and Tips **

For most of us, hearing something once is usually not enough to really learn it.Therefore, note taking becomes a key way to refresh your memory, study for a quiz or test, and make connections to other information that you have learned before or will learn in the future. Clearly written, accurate notes help you to focus and learn during class time.

1.Clear your desk of any non-essential materials to minimize distractions. If your desk is cluttered, your mind will be cluttered also.
 * Taking notes in class **

2.Begin each note taking session at the top of a fresh page in your notebook. Start by writing down your name, the date, the class period, and the topic or essential question.

3.If we emphasize certain names, dates, places, main ideas, or facts, mark them with an asterisk (*) or star, highlight them, and/or underline them.

4.Use short sentences and phrases and easily remembered abbreviations and symbols. Some commonly used abbreviations and symbols are · c/c (compare/contrast) · ie (that is or for example) · eg or ex (for example) · w/ (with) or w/o (without) · &, + (and) · = (equals, is)

5.Write clearly and leave lots of blank space in between ideas in case you need to add information later.

6.Read over your notes as soon as you can after class. If there is anything you don't understand, ask for help!

**Taking notes from textbooks** 1.Organize your paper the same as for class notes.

2.Put the date at the top of the page.

3.Write down the essential question, page number(s), and the titles of the chapter and section from which you will be taking notes at the top of the page.

4.Read the introduction, headings and subheadings, and any paragraphs that summarize the content. Look at any illustrations or graphs and charts and read the captions.

5.Go back and read the chapter or section carefully. · Look for the main ideas. · Look for any vocabulary terms, highlighted words or phrases, names and dates. · Try not to copy information directly from the textbook. Instead, summarize the information in your own words on Post-its. Then, you can include this information in your notes without damaging the textbook. Also, this will help you to find the most important information (who, what, where, when, and why?). · If you do copy directly from the textbook, use quotation marks to indicate that it is a direct quotation and who said it. · Summarize the main ideas at the end of your notes. Pretend you are teaching somebody about the material you have just read. Try to explain out loud and in your own words what the reading was about.