How to Take Lecture Notes

There are many ways to take lecture notes. This "trigger" method is time-tested and widely practiced.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Multicolored Pens
• Spiral Notebooks
• Laptop Computer

1. Write down the date.

2. Draw a vertical line down the lined portion of the page, about one-third of the way over from the left margin.

3. Write down categories and questions on the left side of the line as the lecture proceeds - for instance, "What to do if you catch fire."

4. Put specifics and answers on the right side of the line - for instance, "1. Stop; 2. Drop; 3. Roll."

5. Use abbreviations to keep up with your professors. Simple symbols include an up arrow for "increase" and a right arrow for "led to" or "resulted in."

6. Note anything you're unclear about at the top of the page, and ask about it during the question period.

Tips & Warnings

• Number lists for ease of structuring and recall.
• Review your lecture notes the evening of the day you took them. This will help the knowledge stick in your mind.
• Consider studying for exams by covering the right side of your notes and using the left side as a "trigger" to help you recall details.

[PhunkyNun]

on 10/28/2006 If you have trouble taking notes - if your handwriting is slow or poor, and you can't keep up - consult your tutor about getting help. You may have a learning disability.

Dylsexia and dyspraxia may be holding you back. Both these conditions can exist without the sufferer realising it.

Help for these conditions can include using laptops or PDAs instead of writing, recording lectures, obtaining lecture notes directly from the tutor and being given extra time to complete handwritten examinations.

In the UK, dyslexia and dyspraxia sufferers are entitled to FREE equipment and support for university courses. The student has an assessment with the Educational Psychologist and the benefits follow immediately.

So if you suspect that your note-taking problems are due to dyslexia/dyspraxia, it is worth asking for help.

on 9/13/2006 Whenever the teacher is talking, I fold a sheet of paper in half and draw a line down the middle. On one side, I write facts, and on the other I write questions that either aren't answered, or that I think might be on the test because of the how emphasized something was. Then on the back of the page I write things that I either did or didn't understand. Having a recorder works too, especially if you title the recordings by date, time, length of recording, and lesson title presented.

on 6/30/2006 Tape the lectures so that you can go back and cover anything you may have missed in class. If you can, buy a digital voice recorder and upload it onto your computer. That way you will have longer access to it and free up space on your recorder for more lectures. Don't forget to ask your professor's permission first.

on 11/22/2005 If taking math notes, fold the paper in half. Then on one side write definitions, formulas and information. While on the other side next to the formula, you write an example. It makes it really clear to find information later when you are attempting to study.

on 11/22/2005 Create your own set of shorthand abbreviations and symbols for writing notes. They're convenient and personalized, plus it's interesting! Just make sure it's consistent so that you recognize and understand what you're writing.