Note Taking
Just what are you are doing when you take notes in a class?
You are making judgments about what is important.
Judging importance is hard! And if you’re trying to listen, and write, and judge, you’ve tripled the complexity.
Note taking is easiest if you come to class prepared by having previewed and read the book or other material (see Reading) and by having reviewed your notes from the previous class.
You need to have a context for what you’re hearing in class--these activities give you that context.
We recommend a modified Cornell method of note-taking.
Divide your paper into columns, one-third of the page on the right, and two-thirds on the left. Use only the left-hand portion for in-class notes.
You can create sheets for this by ruling your pages beforehand, or by buying paper that’s printed in this way. (The bookstore carries two such kinds of paper.)
The right-hand portion is for use outside of class, when you review your notes within 24 hours of the class (that 24 hours is important) and when you prepare for exams.
- Write down questions you need to ask the professor or TA.
- Write questions to test your knowledge of what’s in the notes.
Useful Links
To read more about this method and others, go to one or all of the following websites:
http://www.muskingum.edu/~cal/database/general/
notetaking.html
Describes Cornell method and others.
http://www.ucc.vt.edu/stdysk/notetake.html
Helpful suggestions on in-class note-taking.
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~acskills/success/notes.html
Link to Dartmouths's Academic Skills Center with information and forms to assist in note-taking and listening skills.