Taking Effective Notes

Kristin Bouton Intensive English Institute University of Illinois

Why Take Good Notes?

Helps you remember the lecture
47% forgotten in 20 minutes 62% forgotten after the first day

Helps you concentrate on the lecture Helps you organize the information you are learning.

Today s Tips
Be prepared for class Evaluate what you are listening to Use good notetaking strategies Use the Cornell Method Review your notes after class

Be Prepared for Class

Use a three ring binder for your notes Bring extra pens and highlighters to class. Read assigned materials and previous class notes. Go to class with a good attitude Find a note buddy or study group

Evaluate what you are listening to

Try to figure out the lecture s organization Determine which information is important and which is not Major points, Opinions, Facts, Examples Use the strategies we have been learning about

Good In-class Note Taking Strategies

Date your notes and start on a new page Don t write word for word- summarize the lecturer s ideas Use shortcuts: Abbreviations, Symbols, and drawings

Good In-class Note Taking Strategies

Use different color pens, highlighters, size of writing etc. Leave gaps or a ??? for missed information. Don t just write what the teacher puts on the board or handout.

The Cornell Method

Create a 2 1/2 inch margin on the left of your paper The Right column: Take most of your notes here. The Left column: Add topic changes and cues after the lectures.

The Cornell Method

Advantages:
Organized and systematic Easy format to use Easy to study from later

Disadvantages: None

After Class
Reread your notes to be sure you understand them Note unfamiliar vocabulary Fill in gaps in your notes Rewrite your notes Compare notes with your study group Ask teacher about problem areas.

Notetaking doesn t have to be a problem!

Very important for your academic life Not out of your reach
Go to class prepared Use good strategies Review after class

Hearing something once is not the same as understanding it.

Charles Kettering American Electrical Engineer and Inventor

References
Top five tips for effective note-taking
http://jerz.setonhill.edu/writing/academic/notes-tips.htm

Note taking skills from lectures and readings

http://www.education.ex.ac.uk/dll/studyskills/ note_taking_skills.htm

Note taking Systems

http://www.sas.calpoly.edu/asc/ssl/notetaking.systems.html