Before Class
1. Get note-taking supplies that fit your style
    -Do you like pens or pencils?
   -Highlighters?
   -Loose-leaf notebook or spiral?

2. Read assignments before class
   -Preview the assigned material
   -If you do not have time to READ – look at charts and diagrams – scan
    headings – read Introduction and Summary 

3. Prepare questions from what you read – or from headings
   -Become and active reader!!
   -Are there things you would like to learn more about in class?
   -These questions will help you focus on the information in the lecture

During Class 
1. Use the Cornell Method of note-taking (see attached)

2. Record only important ideas – use bullets instead of complete sentences

3. Listen and look for cues
   “The main point here is…”
   “Most importantly…”

4. Listen for answers to your prepared questions

5. Use abbreviations
   -Make a key

6. If you can’t keep up, leave spaces – ask your classmates or the
   instructor (after class) to fill in the blanks
   -Reviewing notes out loud with your classmates is a practically effortless
    way to study
   -You are using your visual, auditory, and kinesthetic sense!

7. Use a tape recorder
   -Use the digital counter
   -At the beginning of each class meeting start the counter on 000
   -Write down the numbers where you get lost
   -Use the number to review or to fill in the gaps

8.  Data dump and review
   -As soon as possible after class, try to write down everything you
   remember form the lecture – compare this to the notes you recorded in
   class

9. Review your notes regularly
   -Strengthen your memory pathways by frequently reviewing your notes
   -Remember to rehearse your notes aloud
   -Use a mirror for visual feedback!

After Class
1. Organize your notes
   -Use the outline from your instructor
   -Turn the headings from the outline into questions
   -Use the information from your notes to answer the questions
   -Use color to code important information or main ideas
   -Remember to use the textbook as a reference, use it to clarify what the
   instructor has presented in class as you are answering questions about
   a certain topic; refer to the charts in the textbook – visualizing the
   process helps!!

2. Daily Reviews
   -Review your notes both before and after class
   -Daily reviews require about 5 minutes per day
   -Reviewing helps move information from short-term memory to long-term
    memory.

3. Weekly reviews
   –Each week you should spend at least an hour reviewing your organized
    notes
   -Try reviewing out loud – use all of your senses!!

4. Major reviews
   –A week before the exam you should do daily major reviews
   -Major reviews include studying your notes and creating your own exams

5. Summarize
   –Pretend that the instructor will allow you to bringa 3x5 note card to the
    exam
   -Choose the most important concepts, formulas, and key words and
    condense them onto the note card - this exercise helps to highlight
    important material
 

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