2. Effective note-taking
Effective note-taking is a value skill for
retaining and remembering important
information. Find a note-taking system that
works for you!
Other helpful suggestions
• Ask questions- Clarify with your instructor or
classmates if something is unclear
• Stick to short phrases and bullet points:
remember these are just notes, not an essay
• Remember to review
your notes from the
class prior
• Complete assigned
readings before class!
Preparation
Note-taking methods
Two Column Notes (Cornell Method)
Divide your paper into two columns, the left
side for main ideas, the right filled with more
specific details, followed by a summary
Mapping
This method uses a visual system of
condensing material to show relationships and
importance, use a circle or box:
Outlining
Start main points at the margin
• Indent secondary and supporting details
• Further indent major subgroups
During class
Be an active listener
Remember to keep
notes simple and brief
Be alert and attentive
After class
Before class
• Highlight important
information, a color-coding
system may be effective
• Review your notes
periodically
• Go back and rework your
notes (i.e adding extra
information, mark unclear
items)
Make sure to have all
materials needed for note
taking and sit close or in
front of the class if needed
Keep pace with instructor- Write brief
phrases and use abbreviations
Compare notes- Sharing notes with
classmates will allow you to identify
information you may have missed or need
more clarification on
Put question marks in the
left-hand margin to
indicate that you should do
further investigation on this
section of your notes
Leave noticeable
blanks for words, ideas, or
dates that you didn't catch
but can fill in later
