Learning Center - Study Skills

 

Taking notes will help you grasp, retain, and refresh yourself on the important skills, concepts, theories, and information presented in your courses.  Here are some of the reasons why note-taking is an important skill to build and improve:

Note-taking, however, is not a one-size-fits-all skill.  In college, there are many different situations where you will need to take notes and for different purposes.  You will need to make sure you use the right approach the specific situation. 

 

When taking notes on your class materials:

 

When taking notes on a reading:

 

When taking notes on a lecture:

 

   Listen for key words, phrases, and ideas that your professor uses often during a lesson.

 

  Listen for changes in your professor’s tone/volume.

  Watch for gestures and amount of time spent on explanation or discussion.

 

   

     Look for cues written on the board.

     Look for  reviews, and summaries at the beginning and end of class.