Note Taking Techniques A useful study guide can be created from a good set of notes that includes lecture information, questions, and text information. Before Class Look at your syllabus and prepare by writing down o Next topic with date o Important concepts/vocabulary o Notes from readings
During Class If the professor Uses Powerpoint o Print out the slide and annotate during the lecture Writes on the board or Smartboard o copy all these notes Gives cues/clues to important information, (i.e. gives wait time to write down information or emphasizes with voice or a gesture) o Write it down and put an asterisk to indicate importance Follows material from the book o bring the book and annotate in it, use post-its or indicate the pages in the notes In addition Use abbreviations and symbols to maximize time Leave space o To add notes from the readings o To make it easier to read and review o Check with a classmate for notes, if you missed something in class
After Class Create a study tool of your notes by o Highlighting headings and important vocabulary o Adding notes from the readings o Marking important information in the margins o Drawing out a concept map or an outline of the information o Creating questions and writing these in the margins
REVIEW! REVIEW! REVIEW! REVIEW! REVIEW! REVIEW!