How to Improve Note Taking Skills

Improve your grades with better note taking skills!

Learning effective skills for taking good notes in class requires practice and technique. Improving your college note taking is especially beneficial. The purpose of note taking helps you remember what you have heard and read in school. If done correctly, it is a personal skill that will also help with time management while taking and reviewing the notes.

Instructions

1. Listen carefully to the instructor and concentrate on what is being said. Write down any important fact in simple sentences or paragraphs.

2. Write down any examples a teacher gives. This is information often fond on the test or quizzes.

3. Write the info as clearly and quickly as you can. Use standard abbreviations and symbols. w/ = with; abr = abbreviation.

4. Develop your own abbreviations and symbols for words you use often. If you are taking a science class you may want to use "g" for gas.

5. Skip any unnecessary words such as "the" and "a" in your note taking.

6. Review your notes at home to make sure you understand what you have written. Re-write if necessary while things are still clear in your mind.