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"Better grades start with better notes!"
You can't possibly write down everything the teacher says since we talk at a rate of about 225 words per minute! BUT, you do need to write down the important material.
Be sure to validate yourself after a test by going back over your notes to see if your notes contained the answers to questions asked on the test.
If not, you need to ask to see a classmate's notes or check with the teacher for help on improving your note-taking.
Note-taking should be in a format that's most helpful to you.
If you're more of a visual person, try writing notes on different colored index cards.
Music can also be a good memory aid as long as you don't find it distracting.
You can use a variety of formats for different purposes.
Don't wait until the night before the test to review your notes.
Go over your notes each day while the lecture is still fresh in your mind. Add any missing pieces.
Compare your notes with a classmate's notes. This isn't cheating -- it may even be mutually beneficial.
Review or rewrite your notes each day to reinforce your learning.
NOTE TAKING METHODS TO TRY
Cornell notes
Cornell notes
The Cornell note taking method helps organize class notes into easily digestible summaries. This method is effective because the main points, details, study cues, and summary are all written in one place. NOTE: This method is used in our AVID classes.
ADVANTAGES:
ADVANTAGES:
Notes are neatly organized, summarized, and easy to review
Allows you to pull out major ideas and concepts
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
The paper is divided into 3 sections: a 2.5” margin to the left, a 2” summary section on the bottom, and a main 6” in-class note section.
Use the main notes section to take notes during class.
Use the cues section to review your notes. After class, write down things you’ll need to remember and a prompt for each. You can also use this section for vocabulary words and study questions.
In the summary segment at the bottom, write a summary of your notes. This is where you will highlight the main points.
Mapping
Mapping
The Mapping note taking method is a more visual way to organize your class notes. This technique is useful when learning about relationships between topics.
ADVANTAGES:
ADVANTAGES:
Useful for visual learners who struggle with studying from notes.
Helps you remember and connect relationships between topics.
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
The page is organized by topic. The main topics branch out into subtopics with detailed information about each.
HOW DO YOU USE IT?
HOW DO YOU USE IT?
While in class, begin the map with the main topic.
Branching off the main topic, write a heading for each of the subtopics.
Write any important notes underneath each subtopic.
Continue the pattern.
Outlining
Outlining
The Outlining note taking method uses headings and bullet points to organize topics. This method is most useful when learning about topics that include a lot of detail.
ADVANTAGES:
ADVANTAGES:
Allows notes to be neatly organized.
It is easy to see the relationship between topics and subtopics.
It is easy to turn points into study questions.
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
Each section starts with a heading of the main topic. Each subtopic and supporting fact is written underneath the proper heading.
HOW DO YOU USE IT?
HOW DO YOU USE IT?
During a lesson, begin your notes with a single bullet point and write the main topic.
Place the first subtopic below and indented slightly to the right.
List any details below your heading and slightly to the right.
Charting
Charting
Charting note taking method uses columns to organize information. This method is useful for lessons that cover a lot of facts or relationships between topics.
ADVANTAGES:
ADVANTAGES:
Facts are organized and easy to review.
Highlights key pieces of information for each topic.
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
The page is divided into columns labeled by category. The details of each category are filled out in the rows below.
HOW DO YOU USE IT?
HOW DO YOU USE IT?
When information about a category is mentioned, jot it down underneath the proper column.
When the next topic begins move down one row and begin again.
Sentence
Sentence
The Sentence note taking method is simply writing down each topic as a jot note sentence. This method works well for fast paced lessons where a lot of information is being covered.
ADVANTAGES:
ADVANTAGES:
Jotting main points helps you determine which information is important and which is not.
You are able to cover a lot of details and information quickly.
Notes are simplified for study and review.
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
Each line on the page is a new and separate topic. To organize your notes even more, you can use headings for each main topic.
HOW DO YOU USE IT?
HOW DO YOU USE IT?
Write down important information the teacher has emphasized. This can be in sentence form or point form.
Start a new sentence or point for each new detail.
Use headings to organize points by main topics.
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