Whether you are a middle school student, high school, college or continuing education student, note taking is an essential part of the learning process. Not only does it help you stay focused during lectures, but note taking also aides in knowledge retention and provides an excellent study guide.

In fact, studies have shown that without review about 47% of what a person has just learned is forgotten in the first 20 minutes and 62% is forgotten after the first day. So if you have the memory of a goldfish, pay close attention to the following note taking tips.

Tip #1:  Come to class prepared

Preparing for class includes reading all assigned chapters, handouts or articles and completing required assignments. Things to keep in mind when preparing for class include:

• Making note of concepts or vocabulary terms that you don’t understand
• Bringing differently colored highlighters to class
• Use a three ring binder or spiral notebook to keep all your notes organized and in chronological order
• Bring your textbook or reading handouts to class

Tip #2:  Actively Listen

Believe it or not there is actually a difference between just listening and actively listening. Actively listening means that you are paying more attention to what the teacher is actually saying and internalizing the material. Here are some ways to improve your listening and comprehension skills:

• Attend class with an open mind
• Concentrate on what the teacher is saying and focus on the terms and concepts that come up repeatedly or that they place the most emphasis on
• Avoid zoning out – even if another student asks a question you have no interest in, try staying focused as you may learn something new

Tip #3:  Develop your note taking style

There is no right or wrong way to take notes, but there are methods that work better for different people. Here are some tips for keeping your notes organized and easy to refer to later:

• Write the date and page number at the top of each sheet of paper
• Draw a line down a sheet of paper dividing off 1/3 of the page. Use the smaller, left-hand section for writing main concepts, chapters, eras, terms, etc. and the right-hand side to right definitions, examples and extended notes
• While taking notes, highlight terms and concepts that the teacher repeats or places emphasis on
• Write in shorthand and develop an easy-to-understand system for yourself
• Highlight or star any vocabulary terms that you don’t understand to look them up later

Tip #4:  Focus on the lecture

What you think is the most important part of the lesson and what the teacher thinks is the most important part might not always match up. This is why it is important to pay attention to the content that they are focusing on the most and items you think may appear on your next exam.

• Write down any examples your teacher provides
• Copy down their definitions word for word
• Take notes on anything written on the board, such as graphs, charts or lists

Tip #5:  Review your notes

Be sure to review your notes within 24 hours of writing them down, while studying for a test and when you re-read through a textbook chapter.

• Check definitions in your notes with definitions in your textbook
• Write out abbreviated or shorthand words that may not make sense to you later
• Glance through charts and drawings and add labels so they will make sense to you later
• If necessary, you may want to rewrite or type up your notes for easier review

Need more note taking or study tips? Check out the following courses for expert advice on study skills success:

• Rising Stars Study Skills Success
• Renee Bechard-Jette's study skills - Become a better student!
• Additional test prep and study skills tutors

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