1. How to take useful notes in class
NOTE TAKING SKILLS
How to take useful notes in class

2. REASONS FOR TAKING NOTES
Forces you to listen carefully and tests your understanding of the material
Helps you to review important concepts
Personal notes are usually easier to remember than something the teacher prepares
Writing down important points helps you to remember even before you study the material

3. Instructor clues as to what is important
COMMON CLUES
Material written on the board/powerpoint
Repetition
Emphasis
Word Signals
Summaries at the end of class
Review at the start of class

4. Developing your own method of taking notes
Helpful Suggestions:
Make your notes brief
Use your own words except formulas, definitions and specific facts
Use some sort of outline form
If you miss information write key words, skip some spaces and come back to it later
Date your notes and number the pages

5. How to make your notes meaningful
Don’t write down everything you hear
Use key words and short sentences
Be accurate
Think before you write
Use a format and abbreviations that make sense to you
Leave out descriptions and full explanations, keep notes short and to the point
Keep notes in order and in one place
Shortly after taking notes go back and add extra points and spell out unclear items
Review your notes regularly