NOTETAKING STRATEGIES

Six Techniques That Will Help You Learn More From Your Classes

1. Use a binder

• Use dividers to organize it
• Use a hole punch so you can insert handouts from class

2. Don't try to take dictation

• Professors speak 150 - 200 words per minute; we write about 25 words per minute
• Leave out non-essential words
• Make sure you write down important points

3. Leave a 2 inch margin along the left side of each page of notes

• Use margin for adding questions during or after class
• Use questions to help you learn your notes later for tests

4. Use a modified outline when taking notes

• Write a topic on one line
• Indent supporting details under it
• Leave several lines after the last point for adding information from memory or your textbook later
• Note that this flyer is written as a modified outline

5. Use abbreviations

• Eliminate vowels
• Use word beginnings
• Use standard symbols from math or science
• Create your own abbreviations

6. Review your notes the same day you take them

• Add questions in the margins
• Add additional information you recall from class
• When studying notes, cover your notes, read questions in the margin and see if you can recall the answers
• Remember the forgetting curve
  • Most information is forgotten during the first 24 hours after notes are taken
  • Over a period of 9 weeks, reviewing notes the same day can make the difference between forgetting almost 80% of the information and remembering almost 80% of it
• Review Questions:
  • What are the six techniques that can be used for notetaking which will enhance learning?
  • How many words per minute do most people speak?
  • What are the purposes of leaving a 2" margin on the left side of class notes?
  • What steps are used to take notes according to a modified outline?
  • What types of abbreviations can be used in notetaking?
• How much information is likely to be forgotten after 9 weeks if notes are not reviewed within 24 hours after they are taken?