Resources for Students > General Study Tips > Note Taking

Note Taking

Do not try to take down everything that the teacher says. It is impossible in the first place and unnecessary in the second place because not everything is of equal importance. Spend more time listening and attempt to take down the main points. If you are writing as fast as you can, you cannot be as discriminating a listener. There may be some times, however, when it is more important to write than to think.

Listen for cues as to important points, transition form one point to the next, repetition of points for emphasis, changes in voice inflections, enumeration of a series of points, etc.

Make your original notes legible enough for your own reading, but use abbreviations of your own invention when possible. The effort required to recopy notes can be better spent in rereading them and thinking about them. Although neatness is a virtue in some respect, it does not necessarily increase your learning.

Sit as close to the front of the class, there are fewer distractions and it is easier to hear, see and attend to important material. Get assignments and suggestions precisely - ask questions if you're not sure.
 

More tips on:

• Effective Time Management
• Better Concentration
• Note Taking
• Sleep Well

Tips for Students

Subjects

• English
• Maths
• Chemistry
• Physics
• More to come...

Test/Exam Skills

• Test Taking Strategies - Last minute preparation
• Strategies to use with difficult exam questions

General Study Tips

• Effective Time Management
• Better Concentration
• Note Taking
• Sleep Well