This document provides tips for effective notetaking during lectures and classes. It recommends preparing before class by reviewing previous notes and skimming upcoming chapters. During class, the tips suggest listening for main ideas and concepts, summarizing key points using indicators, and asking questions if needed. After class, the document stresses filling in notes and reviewing them to retain information from the lecture.

1. EFFECTIVE NOTETAKINGIt’s About Listening

2. LISTENing Tips L = LeadKeep yourself in the leadPrepare physicallyBe ready to write as soon as the professor starts talking.Prepare mentallyBefore class, skim the next chapter of the text; it will make the lecture easier to follow.Glance over the previous class’s notes will refresh your memory and set the stage for the current class.

3. I = IdeasListen and write down main ideas and concepts instead of every word of the lecture.

4. S = SummarizeTry to summarize the lecture into key concepts and ideas.Listen for key idea indicators…when you hear them, begin writing:“In conclusion…”“Four reasons for…”“The characteristics of…”

5. T = TalkTake part in class; even if it’s a subject you don’t like…you’ve got to be there anyway…you may as well make the best of it.Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

6. E = EndThe last five minutes of a class are often a summary of the lecture; it’s time to fill in holes in your notes and listen to last minute instruction instead of packing up your books.

7. N = NotesTake good notesListening is the first step of notetaking, but you’ll retain as little as 20% of the lecture after only 24 hours unless you review.

9. Notetaking Exercise

10. Notetaking TipsRead/skim your text before classGo early, stay lateSit close to the teacherDon’t try to take everything downUse abbreviationsUse lots of paperLeave spaces if you can’t keep upUse a separate binder for each subjectCompare notes