Note Taking Tips

Be an Active Listener

In order to get the most out of the class, you need to actively listen. Sometimes the teacher will talk about an important concept, or discuss a common mistake or pitfall, but they won’t necessarily write it down on the board. Watch and listen for things the teacher emphasizes and write it down.

Take Notes

Try to write down everything the teacher puts on board. The concept may seem easy when you are watching the teacher, but it often is not so easy when it comes time for you to do it on your own. A good set of notes will help remind you how to do these problems.

Take QUALITY Notes

You should also write HOW or WHY you are doing a problem a certain way. Sometimes looking back through our notes, we don’t remember why we did something unless we put notes in the margin that explain the steps we took. This crucial step is something teachers often don’t write on the board, and unless you are listening, you will miss those tips.

Note Important Formulas & Concepts

If an instructor emphasizes a particular formula or concept then make note of it. This probably means the instructor feels that it’s important and important formulas and concepts are much more likely to show up on an exam.