Why Am I Working

Harder,
Not Smarter?
Effective Note-Taking Strategies
 How helpful are your notes?
Lectures usually introduce you to material

Textbooks typically review information

Both are reinforced when you do your homework

A good study guide combines lecture & textbook notes

Integrate notes into ONE study guide

The test proves that youve internalized the information

Part One: Take the self-assessment...and keep for

reference
The
Note-Taking
Process
Before Class

Preview and format of information

Guide specific note-taking

Ask better questions

Before Class Tips
During Class

One style or combination = YOUR notes

VIP class information: main ideas/terms/examples

 Note-Taking Styles
Cornell Method

Outlining Method

Mind Mapping Method

During Class: What to include in your notes
Details, facts, or explanations that expand or explain the main
points

Examples

Definitions, word for word

Lists of things discussed

Material written on the board/projected; drawings or charts

Information that is repeated. Information that is repeated.

Information that is spelled out (acronyms)

Example: UPP = University Performance Program

Example: NCSU = North Carolina State University

After Class

24-hour deadline

Fill in gaps of information

Short summary
Average
Retention
Rates
 After Class: Review & Edit Notes
Edit for words and phrases that are illegible or dont make sense.

Write out abbreviated words that might be unclear later.

Edit with a different color pen: show in class vs. what you filled in
later.

Fill in keywords and questions in the margins.

Circle anything you dont understand to remind you to ask the

instructor.

Compare your notes with the textbook reading and fill in important
details in the blank spaces you left in your notes.
Overview
 Note-Taking Tips
1. Symbols
2. Abbreviations
3. Handwriting
4. Information gaps
5. Unknown spelling
6. Verbal clues
7. Course-specific note-taking suggestions
1. Note-Taking
Symbols
Example
2.
3. Handwriting
4. Information Gaps
5. Unknown Spelling
6. Verbal Clues to Note-Taking
7. Problem-Based Courses: Enginering,
Math, Physics, etc.
7. Science Courses
7. Arts & Social Science Courses
7. Question-Evidence-Conclusion Structure
 Part Two: How helpful are my notes?
Directions: Answer the following questions using 3-5
thoughtful sentences.

1. How can you improve your notes?

2. What is your priority? (What will you try to do
first?)

*Submit to instructor when completed.