#notesinclass

[shikastudies]

How to take Notes in Class

My first quarter of my senior year has recently just come to an end and I wanted to show how I take notes in class, if I have to because usually I get notes like in BC or I pre-write them at home like in AP Stats. So in the one class where I have to write my own notes, this is how I do.

I usually stick to an outlining method, however, I have tried the Cornell method of note-taking, mind maps, using charts, and even just writing down each and every word that my professor or teacher has said.

I will write any important things that my teacher has said, usually in a blue pen just because I heard once that blue sticks better in your mind and to be honest I still have no idea to this day whether that is true or not. Usually we'll start with a main topic, and I'll write down everything that I found necessary and I'll try and sum it up in my own words right the teacher is speaking usually off a powerpoint.

I'll make somethings shorthand and then took clear, concise, organized, and structured notes. You will see charts, images, or even emoticons when I am taking notes because these are easier visual images to learn and memories. If you teacher gives you a powerpoint beforehand, you can download them and write notes on the side or if you really want to waste paper, you can print them one-sided and just write on the back of it.

Use these questions to find out if you should jot down what your professor is teaching:

-Introductory remarks often include summaries of overviews of main points.

-Listen for signal words/phrases main reasons/overviews

-Repeated words or concepts are often important.

-Non-verbal cues like pointing, gestures, or a vocal emphasis on certain words, etc. can indicate important points.

-Summaries of the topic is important too

I hope this was helpful to everyone who is looking to solidify or improve parts of their note-taking method, while this form may not work for each class and depends on everyone as well I would recommend this for history, chemistry, biology, psychology, etc type of classes where it's more background learning. Then applying it in the classroom environment. I will post how I take notes for Calculus and Statistics and how I make my review sheets.