subject: The Benefits of Note-Taking in Class [print this page] The Benefits of Note-Taking in Class The Benefits of Note-Taking in Class
It is important to take notes in class especially when teachers talk about the topics that you are studying, because you will be able to grasp the significant details that you may use when taking tests. Some teachers do not only give their lectures in written form, but some key points of their discussions are communicated verbally. It is essential to know how to take down notes while at the same time being attentive to what the teacher says. Note-taking not only allows you to think ahead, think along, or question the teacher if you would want to clarify or prove a point, but also, serves as a skill building tool in reviewing by frequently going-through one topic. Note-taking entails a three-stage process requiring you to do several tasks before, during, and after a class.
Before going to class
Some teachers give their topics for the next day or next session before ending your meeting to serve as your guide for the up-coming discussion; or if you are currently on the same topic for the next day make sure to do the following before coming to class:
Read and scan your previous notes on that subject you are currently in. This will enable you to remember what was discussed to you and prepare for new details that the teacher will impart.
Reading ahead of a topic or subject assigned to you by your teacher not only prepares you for a possible quiz or questioning but will be expected of you to join during a discussion to make it livelier.
It is advisable to use short phrases that are easier to remember regarding key points of what you have read.
Have your note-taking materials organized before bringing them to class. Use markers or special pens that will help you locate the topic that you have noted down instantly.
During classes
Staying attentive and focused is your most important role as a student during a lecture. When you are inattentive, you might miss important information that the teacher is saying and it might not be good to interrupt a discussion, because this might mislead the path of the discussion. Here are some points to remember when taking notes during a class:
Listen for words like: "the most important thing...," "remember to...," "put a mark on...," and many more are examples of signal statements. Signal statements are what your teacher says to point out that what she is going to say next is important and cues you to write it down.
Include in your notes statements that your teacher emphasizes on the board. Emphasis on these statements may include underlining lines or phrases, CAPITALIZING words, encircling or even using color her point. Teachers have different styles to highlight important details in their discussions.
It is not vital at this point to write neatly for as long as you are able to read and understand what you jot down later when reviewing you notes. What's important during a class is to write quickly for you to be able to include all the important details in your notes. If the teacher becomes too fast and you are no longer able to catch up, ask her politely to slow down and repeat what she just stated, granting this is the case; but this does not apply when you are very slow in writing because you might be the cause of delay of your class' discussion.
Use proper abbreviations and symbols for words that may take too long to write. Use short sentences by noting the key words and skipping less important words such as: the, a, she, he, was, and, in, on and but among others.
Use a ? next to statements or details you have written but do not understand or meanings you are not sure of.
After your class
This process could be the stage with less difficulty because you have already become familiar with what you are about to review. This would involve doing the following:
Read what you have written on you notes to be able to get the gist of what you are about to rewrite
After reading your notes, rewrite it by completing the abbreviations and symbols of the words, and by constructing your shorter sentences by writing missing words together with the key words.
Answer the questions you had when writing your notes in class on the words that you did not understand. This will complete and correct your queries with the use of resources like books and other reference materials. You may also ask your teacher or other students to clarify.
Compare notes with other students just to make sure that you have not missed any important information
