Home Guides Taking Effective Notes Before the Lecture

Introduction

Before the Lecture

During the Lecture

Example

Listening Hints During the Lecture

After the Lecture

The Cornell System for Note Taking

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Taking Notes During Discussions

Using Notes to Write Papers

Using Notes to Study for Exams

Additional Resources

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Authors & Contributors

Before the Lecture

Even before you go to class to listen to a lecture or participate in a class discussion, you need to prepare to take notes. Pay attention to both the logistical and thinking/reviewing skills required for effective note taking:

Logistics:

• Use a loose-leaf binder, not a spiral-bound notebook. (This way you can organize your handouts and exams with your notes.)
• Date and number each page; keep each class separate in the binder.

• Review your notes from the previous class.
• Keep up with your reading/homework so you're not lost when class starts--it's hard to take notes when you're confused.
• Prepare questions for the teacher based on your reading/homework/previous class notes.