How to Take Notes in Class

Presented by:Riverside City College

Counseling Department

Note-Taking Note-Taking Process 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

Note-Taking Note-Taking ProcessProcess

• Observing- You observe an event.

(Lecture)

• Recording- You record your observation (Take Notes)

• Reviewing- Review what you recorded. (Study)

ObserveObserve

• Set the stage

– Complete outside assignments

– Bring the right materials

– Sit front and center

– Conduct a short pre-class review

• 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.

ObserveObserve

• 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

ObserveObserve

• 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.

RecordRecord

• 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.

Cornell FormatCornell Format

• 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.

Create Mind MapsCreate Mind Maps

• 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.

Mind Maps Mind Maps BenefitsBenefits

– Give yourself plenty of room– Determine the main concept of the

lecture– Use key words only– Jazz it up– Create links– Combine formats

Mind Maps Mind Maps SuggestionsSuggestions

• 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.

OutlineOutline

• 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.

Combining Combining FormatsFormats

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

RecordRecord

• 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.

RecordRecord

• 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

ReviewReview

Sample Cornell Note Taking Paper ______________ Date: Page#:

REDUCE: RECORD: Key words/phrases here Lecture notes here.

RECAPITULATE (SUMMARY)

Handout: Handout: Sample CornellSample Cornell

Network Tree Spider Map

Fishbone Map

Sample Sample Mind MapsMind Maps