How to Take Notes in Class

1. How to Take Notes in Class Presented by: Riverside City College Counseling Department

2. Note-Taking Process • One way to understand note-taking is to realize that taking notes is the least important part of the process. • Effective note-taking consists of 3 parts: • Observing • Recording • Reviewing

3. Note-Taking Process • Observing- You observe an event. (Lecture) • Recording- You record your observation (Take Notes) • Reviewing- Review what you recorded. (Study)

4. Observe • Set the stage • Complete outside assignments • Bring the right materials • Sit front and center • Conduct a short pre-class review

5. Observe Accept your wondering mind. Notice your environment. Let go of judgments. Participate in class activities. Relate class to your goals. Think critically about what you hear.

6. Observe • Watch for clues • Be alert to repetition • Listen for introductory, concluding, and transition words and phrases • Watch the board or overhead projector • Highlight the obvious clues • Notice the instructor’s interest level

7. Record • The format & structure of your notes are more important than how fast you write or how elegant your handwriting is. • The following techniques can improve the effectiveness of your notes.

8. Cornell Format • On each page of your notes, draw a vertical line, top to bottom, 1 ½ inches from the left edge of the paper. • Write your notes to the right of the line. • Reserve the area (cue column) on the left of the line for key words, clues, and sample questions. • Fill in the left hand column when you review your notes. • Write a summary.

9. Create Mind Maps Mind maps are visual patterns that provide a framework for recall. They work on both verbal & nonverbal levels (Left/Right Brain functions). Creating a mind map helps you think from general to specific.

10. Mind Maps Benefits Quickly shows relationships between ideas. Review more quickly by looking at key words (pictures) than by reading notes word for word. As you build a mind map on paper, you’re also constructing a map in your mind. When you are finished the picture of the map enters your memory.

11. Mind Maps Suggestions • Give yourself plenty of room • Determine the main concept of the lecture • Use key words only • Jazz it up • Create links • Combine formats

12. Outline Shows relationship between major points and supporting ideas. First level of headings are the major topics. Second level of headings record key points that relate to each major topic. Third level of headings record specific facts and details that support/explain second level.

13. Combining Formats • Do what works for you. • Combine formats (Cornell & Mind Maps) • Draw a line down the center of the page and using the left-hand side for mind mapping and the right hand side for more linear information, such as outlines and paragraphs.

14. Record Copy material from the board Use a three-ring binder Use only one side of the paper Use 3X 5 cards Label, number, and date all notes Use standard abbreviations Leave blank space

15. Record Use standard abbreviations One way to abbreviate is to leave out vowels. (Ex: talk=tlk, said=sd) Write out abbreviated terms during pauses in lecture, when the meaning of your shorthand is still fresh in your short-term memory.

16. Review Review within 24 hours Edit notes Fill in key words in left-hand column Use your key words as cues to recite Conduct short weekly review periods Consider typing up your notes Create mind map summaries

17. Handout: Sample Cornell

18. Sample Mind Maps Network Tree Spider Map Fishbone Map