The primary purpose of note taking is to encourage active learning and to prepare study materials for exams.  Developing note taking skills should help you organize information into an understandable format that will assist in your studying process.

 

There are multiple methods for taking notes.  To be a successful student at Miami University, you are encouraged to explore and develop your own consistent style of note taking.  Your method may differ from other students’ and may vary from course to course.

 

This guide introduces numerous styles of note taking, successful methods for various subjects, ideas for transforming notes into study materials, and resources for further developing your personal approach to note taking.

 

 

Lecture Notes

 

The information professor’s communicate during lecture is extremely important.  If a professor is willing to devote time in class to a specific topic, he/she must believe that it is important for you to know and understand.  Furthermore, their explanation is probably more understandable and comprehensive than the book. Therefore, it is important to develop a system to record their explanations.

 

· Decide on a seat in the classroom that minimizes distractions.

· Keep all lecture notes together and in order, preferably in a three ring binder.

· Write as legibly as possible.  The clearer you write, the clearer you understand.

· Do not try to write down every word of the lecture.  Listen and then paraphrase into your own words.  (This takes practice)

· Write complete sentences when the material seems important.

· Record all formulas, diagrams, and problems.  If it is on the board, overhead, or PowerPoint, it should be in your notes.

· If the professor gives you , or posts a copy of the lecture, take notes anyway.  Students who actively take notes understand material better.

· Leave blank space in your notes to fill in missing information.

· Condense reading and lecture notes into one complete study guide.

· Use pictures and diagrams to better understand material.

 

Note Taking Strategies Guidebook