Sit as close to the front
of the classroom as possible! There will be less distractions, and it will
be easier to hear and see!
Use a large notebook!
It allows you to indent, outline and add details later!
Always title and date
your notes!
Avoid distracting conduct!
Talking, eating, drinking, etc. will distract you as well as other students!
Don't be afraid to ask
questions! If you can't interrupt a lecture or presentation, jot down your
questions and ask them later!
Participate in class discussions!
They will help you better understand the material!
Listen actively by thinking
before you write- but don't fall behind!
If you fall behind, leave
a blank space in your notebook and get the missing information later from
the teacher or a classmate!
Listen closely to changes
to changes in the volume, tone and pitch of your teacher's voice! They
are usually clues that an important point is about to be presented!
Listen and watch for all
material presented in alphabetical or numerical fashion!
Copy everything from the
board! The information may later give useful clues to specific items!
Don't try to write every
word! Write down the main ideas, as well as important content!
Invent your own way to
abbreviate words for quick note-taking!
Utilize a notation
system (asterisks, brackets, boxes, etc.) to highlight important points
and details!
Always try to use your
own words when note-taking!
Record assignments precisely!
Ask questions for clarity!
Don't use a tape recorder!
it's an inefficient way
to study!
it's time consuming!
it's a poor substitute
for note-taking!
it's practically useless
when reviewing for a test!