Taking Good Notes
Why do we take notes
Helps us pay attention to what is important
Triggers memory
To understand what your teacher thinks is important
As a reference or review
Places to take notes from
PowerPoint
Textbook
Lecture -video or in person
Formats of notes
Cornell Notes
Outline Notes
Concept Maps
PREP note taking system
Prepare
Set up your paper to be ready to take notes with number of video, title/topic of video, teacher presenting video, date and other format guidelines
Record
When you write notes, separate major topics covered in some way and include a time from the video when that topic was covered so you can go back to review if necessary. (if teacher starts going too fast and you miss times don’t worry as long as you have a few)
Anything that is repeated more than once underline because it is probably important
Anything the teacher says to do put a box next to in your notes so that you can come back and do it and then check off that box.
If names are mentioned, write to the side and put a box around in case you need it in the future
Put an arrow at the bottom of the page if notes continue on the next so you know they go on when you come back to them.
Make easy to read so if using dark pen, only write on one side of the paper so you can clearly read all notes and do not cram or write really tiny if you need more space go on to the next page.
Should fit your style of learning
Can use shorthand
Make a special indication when you are doing example problems so you can find them later when you are doing textbook problems or studying for quizzes and tests.
Engage
At the end of a video, make sure notes make sense. If you missed a part or your notes seem weak in a certain area go back to that part of the video, watch again and add to your notes.
Take a few minutes to read over your notes and summarize or put in your own words in 2-3 sentences. Decide what you think is most important in your notes to include in that summary which will help you recall it better in the future.
Add notes of how new material relates to things you already know
Add bullets and or numbers to help organize ideas for later
Put stars next to things you think will be important in the future so you can come back and review.
Turn notes into flashcards
Ponder
Write down questions you have about the topics, parts you didn’t fully understand or need clarification so you can ask in class later to increase your understanding.