Note-taking Tips for Students

Choose a note-taking format and stick with it Cornell Interactive notes Two-column Split page Key word

Sit where you can see Avoid distractions Teacher or Chalk board or white board Overhead screen Avoid distractions Hallway noise Friends Outside windows

Taking notes from a text: Use text structure to identify key points. Rely on titles, heading, subheadings and bold words Use any end of chapter questions to signal important understandings

For each class, use a separate notebook section To make reviewing notes easier, write notes on only the front side of each page.

Start notes with new date Use chapter titles and subheadings as section breaks in your notes

Use your own words to capture the main ideas and key details OR Follow specific format , if required

Use lots of space Skip lines Leave extra wide margins Creates space to add details/other information later Information is more visible as you review your notes

Develop abbreviations or shortcuts Saves time Keep a list to remember the abbreviations

Read and review notes frequently At least once every couple of days When reviewing, use a highlighter to underline big ideas Add information that will clarify the topic

Study notes with a parent or friend Before a test or quiz Emphasize highlighted notes, underlined or repeated information