This document provides tips for taking effective notes in class. It recommends that students come to class prepared having done any assigned reading and free from distractions. Students should practice active listening, focusing on the main points and key terms rather than writing down every word. Effective note taking techniques include writing the date and topic, using abbreviations, and defining important terms. Notes should be reviewed soon after class to reinforce learning and replace abbreviations. Asking questions and sharing notes with other students can also help with note taking.

1. Meridian Career Institute presents

2. A Learning Resource Center Seminar

3. How to Take Notes

4. Taking good notes is an essential skill for academic success.

5. Unfortunately, it’s a skill that many students fail to develop in high school.

6. Learning to take good notes will help you develop good study habits.

7. You can develop good note taking skills by following these important tips:

10. You can do your texting or tweeting after class.

11. You need to focus on what the instructor is saying.

12. This means you have to practice active listening.

13. Active listening doesn’t mean you have to write down every word that’s said.

14. You listen for the main points of the lecture.

16. Pay attention to and make notes about what is written on the board.

17. An active listener also looks for nonverbal signs.

19. Being prepared also means you’ve done all the assigned reading before coming to class.

20. If you haven’t done the reading, it’s harder for you to learn and remember the material.

21. The instructors expect that you’ve done the reading, so you can use it to build upon the information in the lecture.

22. Ask Questions If your instructor is talking too fast or saying something that isn’t clear to you, there’s nothing rude about asking him/her to slow down a bit or clarify what was said.

23. Even the best lecturers can start rambling or talking too fast. Don’t ever be embarrassed to ask a question. It’s not a dumb question if you don’t know the answer.

25. Note taking is easier if you learn to write quickly (or type quickly if you’re using a laptop). Don’t worry about writing every word and don’t worry about your penmanship.

26. Use as many abbreviations as you can, like “meds” for medicines or “anat” for anatomy.

27. If your instructor defines a term, that usually means they want you to remember it and learn what it means. That’s why its important for you to write down definitions.

28. If the instructor is doing a Power Point Presentation, you don’t need to write down everything that’s on the slide. You will lose your focus on the lecture and fall out of the active listening mode.

29. Finally, remember, it’s better to write too much instead of too little. Excess notes aren’t likely to hurt you when you’re studying for a test, but scanty notes probably will.

32. Sometimes, hastily written words no longer make sense to you. Make a note of what’s no longer clear to you. Then, you can ask a fellow student or your instructor for clarification.