Reviewing Notes

Reviewing your notes is different than studying them.

Studying focuses on understanding and encoding the information into your memory.

Reviewing makes sure the you have everything you need.  

As you read through the notes, add information, correct content, and organize them with other materials like PowerPoints and pictures.  This begins the processes of understanding and consolidating the information with things that you already know.

Academic skills centers and other authorities on effective study skills consider reviewing and editing class notes to be the most important part of note taking and essential to increasing learning.

Review and edit your notes as soon as possible after the class - within 24 hours if possible. 

This dramatically improves your memory of the information!

Right after class or within 24 hours...

Compare •	Compare notes with a classmate and the textbook to check the accuracy and understanding of your notes. Review •	Review your notes to fill in any missing details. •	Add graphs, pictures, and other items. Summarize •	Summarize your notes with phrases in the margins. •	Identify potential test questions to help create study guides. Recite •	Cover the main body of the notes and use only the key words in the margins to recall in your own words everything you can about the lecture. Merge •	Merge the lecture notes with other notes you made. •	Keep notes from the lecture with notes from the readings on the same topic. Ask •	Ask your instructor if you still do not understand a point. Highlight •	Highlight key words, phrases, or concepts. This helps you reduce the amount of reading you have to do when studying. •	Color coding is often helpful for organizing material. Reflect •	Reflect on the content of your notes. Especially consider how these notes relate to other things you have learned. Store •	Store your notes in a secure place.

For help with organizing your notes

To check out the Self Help Video module on Note Taking

Tips

Does the instructor use PowerPoints for her/his lecture?

- If yes, does s/he provide them to students through Blackboard prior to class?

     - If yes, print them out and use them to take notes

     - If no, ask her/him if slides could be provided before class. 


  *If the instructor will not provide the PowerPoints before class, then note the number of the PowerPoint slide in your notes during the lecture, then print out the PowerPoint after class, adding the number of the slide to your notes.*


Can you record the lecture?

If you have been given permission to record the lecture by the instructor or have been given a disability accommodation of recording lectures, check with our office for ideas about how best to use the recordings.      

            *Remember to take your recording device with you to class!