Taking Class Notes
by Dr. George Hole:
Suggestions
Take notes:
- Copy what is written on the blackboard. (It is often short phrases, with abbreviations. So you will need to translate and amplify them.)
- Write down instructor's comments (not on the blackboard) that are important.)
- Write down your questions and thoughts.
Translate notes:
- While the class is still fresh in mind, review and expand on your notes.
- Highlight important ideas.
- Use captions (e.g. critical thinking categories, like basic issue, alternative point of view.)
- Note your questions: questions about the notes-to ask for clarification next class and questions about the material-to explore in more depth.
- Make connections to material in previous class notes, course readings or other courses.
- Compare your notes with another student's, for comprehensiveness, clarity and insight. Fill in missing material and connections.
Use your notes:
- To review before class, to maintain continuity, ask questions, and explore ideas in more depth.
- To integrate with your reading notes.
- To review before exams.
- To generate and support ideas for your papers.
- To learn to "capture," understand and structure ideas in depth.