Keep separate notebook sections or notebooks for each class and keep all notes for each class together in one space, in chronological order. Title your page with the class name and date.

Keep organized to help you find information more easily later.

Briefly review notes from previous class sessions to help you situate the new ideas you’ll learn in this class.

Look at your course syllabus so that you know the topic/focus of the class and what’s going to be important to focus on.

Previewing allows you to identify main ideas and concepts that will most likely be discussed during the lecture.

Preview your text or reading assignments prior to lecture.

Here are some steps you can take to improve your note-taking before class even begins: The first step to taking good notes in class is to come to class prepared. With that in mind, it’s important to have good source material. In fact, doing so can help you better organize your thoughts and to determine what’s most important. Part of good note-taking may include going back to your notes after class (ideally within a day or two) to check for clarity and fill in any missing pieces. There’s a lot going on during class, so you may not be able to capture every main concept perfectly, and that’s okay. Good notes can provide a great resource for creating outlines and studying. When watching a video, taking good notes can save you from the hassle of pausing, rewinding, and rewatching large chunks of a lecture. Efficient and concise notes can save you time, energy, and confusion that often results from trying to make sense of disorganized, overwhelming, insufficient, or wordy notes. Post-class benefitsĪfter class, good notes are crucial for reviewing and studying class material so that you better understand it and can prepare appropriately for exams. Taking notes on both synchronous and asynchronous material will help you better remember what you hear and see. Good note-taking will improve your active listening, comprehension of material, and retention. In many classes, you may be asked to watch an instructional video before a class discussion. Actively taking notes during class can help you focus and better understand main concepts. Taking good notes in class is an important part of academic success in college.

This handout will discuss the importance of note-taking, qualities of good notes, and tips for becoming a better note-taker. Do you sometimes struggle to determine what to write down during lectures? Have you ever found yourself wishing you could take better or more effective notes? Whether you are sitting in a lecture hall or watching a lecture online, note-taking in class can be intimidating, but with a few strategic practices, anyone can take clear, effective notes.

Note taking systems for college