Chapter 1 – Effective Note Taking

Benefits of Note – Taking

• Taking-notes prompts you to listen effectively during class.
• You translate new ideas into your own words
• Converts you from passive observer to an active participant
• You learn while taking notes

Parts of Note-Taking process

• 1. You observe an event
• 2. You record your observations of the event
• 3. You review what you have recorded

Be Observant

• Keen observers see facts and relationships
  • Complete assignments; teachers construct lectures assuming students complete assignments
  • Sit in the front; declare your willingness to take a risk and participate
  • Be in the environment; bring yourself back to class when catch yourself daydreaming
  • Relate the class to your goal; Having hard time staying focused, remind yourself how the class relates to your goals
• Emotions & behaviors can operate independently. In other words, you can still engage in with a course, even when you don’t feel like doing it.

Record your notes

• Think of your notes as a textbook you create.
  • Copy material from the board and a PowerPoint
  • Write in paragraphs
  • Take notes in different colors
  • Use note-cards
  • Write key words down

Review your notes

• This step lifts ideas off the page and turns them into a working part of your mind.
• The sooner you review your notes, the better you learn them.
• You will forget most of the new material after 24 hours unless you review. 
• Remember reviewing is an essential part of the note-taking process. It is not an added task.