Tips for Note-Taking

Lectures are hard to follow and students often need alternate strategies to stay involved and active in the lesson.

What should I write?

Summarize your information, and write essential points; don’t copy every piece of information, as it will prevent you from retaining the material; many teachers commonly state which details are necessary and should be recorded.

How should I write?

Use different colors to correspond with different themes, making it easier to distinguish your notes. Use symbols/abbreviations periodically, so you aren’t lagging behind the teacher. Spelling and grammar are irrelevant; as long as it is comprehensible, it’s better to prioritize the information. Despite the rush, strive to upkeep your handwriting; you want your notes to be articulate enough to review and rewrite for studying. (If you want further guidance with studying, you can reference to this article.) Write your notes throughout the lecture; this may sound evident, but it’s common for students to pay attention at the beginning of the lecture rather than the end, missing potentially important material.