Note-Taking Resources

Strategies to Consider

Before Class

  • Come prepared with materials to take notes (notebook, pen, tablet, laptop, etc.),
  • Review notes from the prior lecture, and
  • Print/download course materials that may be available to utilize during lecture.

During Class

  • Sit in a comfortable spot in the classroom with fewer distractions as possible,
  • Date and title each set of notes to keep your notes organized,
  • Ask yourself, “Why is this important?”,
  • Be consistent with your note-taking structure. Pick a note-taking format that works best for you.
  • Take notes that are easy for you to read and reflect back on,
  • Incomplete sentences are ok,
  • Use abbreviations for words,
  • Focus on main points, rather than copying everything down on paper, and
  • Record/write down / ask your questions and thoughts you have.

After Class

  • Review notes and highlight, underline or make marks on key points,
  • Organize your notes, and,
  • Connect concepts to the meaning and summary of the notes.

Write it Down if the Speaker / Professor

  • Repeats the topic / item several times,
  • Writes an item on the board,
  • References the textbook, article, piece of literature,
  • Provides an example, and / or,
  • Slows down or changes their tone of voice.