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ApplyNotetaking: What to do before, during, and after class
Before Class:
Arrive at class mentally prepared to take notes
- Review the syllabus to know what the day’s topic is.
- Review the prior day’s notes.
- Read or skim the textbook chapter assigned for that day.
During Class:
Be alert, listen, and record notes
- Sit in the front and center of the room.
- Begin writing immediately.
- Do not limit your notes to just what is on the board or overhead. Include main ideas, relevant points, and examples.
- Reflect the instructor’s organization.
- Make main points stand out by underlining or boxing.
- Make use of blank space by skipping lines and indenting.
After Class:
Jell the material while it is still fresh
- Review your notes as soon after class as possible. Do this right after class, later that day, and once a week.
- Using a different color pen, edit your notes to make your organization stand out.
- Use the left hand margin to take notes on your notes by putting key words in the recall/cue column.
- Rehearse/recite the material, putting it into your own words. It is best to do this out loud!!
Before the exam, use the notes to form a condensed summary sheet. This allows you to see the BIG picture.
