IMPROVE YOUR NOTE-TAKING SKILLS

Are your notes a jumbled mess? You're not doing yourself any favors.

Taking good notes is an essential skill for any student. Good notes help you study and learn, do well on tests, and keep track of what the teacher sees as important. Check out these suggestions for improving your in-class attention and note-taking skills:

Listen Actively.

If possible think before you write - but don't get behind.

Create Your Own System.

Develop and use a standard method of note-taking including headings, spacing, short-forms for words, margins, etc.

Leave White Space.

Leave a few spaces blank as you move from one point to the next so that you can fill in additional points later if necessary. Your objective is to take helpful notes, not to save paper.

Write Legibly.

Write neatly enough that you can read your notes later, but don't spend too much time on penmanship. Although neatness can be a virtue, it does not necessarily increase your learning.

Tote a Big Notebook.

Use a large notebook or binder for taking and keeping notes. The only good thing about a small notebook is that it's easier to carry - not your main goal. A large notebook allows you to organize your notes better and gives you room to write things down legibly (so they're readable later).

Quibble Later.

Be open minded about points you disagree on. Don't let arguing interfere with your note-taking. Write it down. You can always bring up an opinion after that.

Put Up Your Hand.

Ask questions anytime you're not sure what is meant. Don't write down something that you know you won't understand later. If you don't get it, ask the teacher for more explanation.

Stick to the Vital Stuff.

Do not try to take down every single word the teacher says. It is impossible in the first place, and unnecessary in the second place because not everything is important. Spend more time listening in class and try to write down the main points and important facts. If you are writing as fast as you can, you cannot be listening as well as you can. Yes, there are times when it is more important to write than to think. But that's not the usual case.

Listen the Smart Way.

Listen for cues from your teacher's voice that tell you which points are important. Repeating points for emphasis, speaking more loudly, listing a series of points, and writing things on the board can be hints that this is important information your teacher wants you to remember.

Copy the Board.

Copy down everything on the board. It is probably important if the teacher took the time to write it down. It may turn up on your next test!

Don't Hide in Back.

Sit close to the front of the class. You'll have fewer distractions and it is easier to hear and see important material. Plus, it makes the teacher think you're a keener - and yes, that can improve your chances of doing well in class.

Make Sure You're Aware of Due Dates.

Get assignments, due dates and suggestions precisely - ask questions if you're not sure.