A lot of students don’t
know how to take notes correctly. In fact, many of them consider that
taking notes in college is a waste of time. But good note-taking
strategies make life easier when it is time of taking big tests and
writing term papers. It helps to recall information students may have
forgotten. It also helps the listeners to focus on the information
that is taught in class.
Why Take Notes?
Many professionals and
students think that good note-taking involves transcribing a lecture
word by word. There are different ways to take notes. Effective notes
include a wide array of definitions, important facts, dates and names
related to the subject matter. Note-taking enables students to
process the information already stored in the brains at a later date.
Note-taking makes it easier to perform better in the long run.
Do not try to write
everything on paper. Focus on the most important things to avoid
confusion in the future. This approach will save time when it comes
to preparing for a big test or term paper.
Prepare to Take Notes
Students can prepare to
take notes by developing an organizational system. They should decide
on what material to use when taking notes, such as notebook,
flashcards or loose leaf paper. They should decide upon the ways to
take notes. Professionals may decide to use a computer to save their
notes in electronic files. Each option has its pros and cons.
Students may use flashcards marked with color codes to keep track of
their notes. Loose leaf binders and notebooks also require numbering
or color-coding. Electronic notes make it easier to search when it
comes time to study. Moreover, computerized notes are legible and
easy to print. These are also good ideas for teachers.
Tips on Taking Notes
Attend lectures on
time. Otherwise you can miss important ideas that cannot be found in
the textbook.
- Be prepared for the lecture.
- Use different notebooks if taking more than one class.
- Keep eye contact with a speaker when not writing.
- Use highlighters and symbols to emphasize important points.
- Write on one side of the paper to avoid overlooking material on the back of a sheet.
- Review notes after class. This gives students time to change, summarize, add and clarify information in the notes.
Taking notes in college is
essential thing for successful study process.
