Taking Effective Notes

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Taking notes is much harder than it sounds because you have to listen, process information, and write it quickly without losing the thread of the lecture. These tips can help you filter what's most important to listen to and record in your notes.

• Not everything the professor says is equally important or always relevant.
• Pay attention to clues--transition words, examples, anything written on the board, repetitions, voice inflections, teacher's interest level, gestures. Recognizing these helps you understand what the teacher feels is important (and will probably appear on the exam).
• Teachers often run out of time and cram what's most important into the last ten minutes of class.
• Stay alert--try to predict what the teacher will talk about next.
• Don't hesitate to ask questions if you don't understand or feel your concentration slipping.
• Keep an open mind--don't criticize or get so worked up you can't take notes anymore.
• Don't let the teacher's tics or mannerisms or appearance distract you.