Taking notes in class

• make a heading/title

• write the date (in case your binder falls apart)

• use sub-headings to divide up the information

  • if you can't think of a sub-heading in the moment, leave a blank (underlined), then go back later and add it in

• don't copy every word from the board or slide presentation

  • get the main ideas

  • write in point-form, leaving out little words like 'the'

• develop a short hand method 

  • use symbols, little pictures, even emojis where needed, arrows

  • write short-form or abbreviations of frequently used words

    • e.g., gov't or gov for government; ed for education; sci for science; w for with

  • *****after finishing your notes, go back and fix them up, annotate them (make littles notes or suggestions on them), connect ideas with arrows

Taking notes for research

See this example from Ms. Gluskin's grade 11 World History class

So, practice now for success later.

Check out this note-taking video from U of T (Learning How To Learn)

When the teacher gives a lecture, shows a video/slide presentation, or hands out a reading, you may have to take notes. What will you include in your notes?

• main ideas

  • supporting details

• don't try to write down every word. Write in point-form

Here are some examples. 

Main idea in blue

Supporting details in red

Topic: Note-taking

• note-taking is difficult

• write quickly

• separate main ideas from details

- tips and tricks

- use short forms (gov't, ed, +, $)

- use point-form (not full sentences)

- fill in blanks after if you missed something