TAKING LECTURE NOTES

BEFORE EACH LECTURE:

Read all assigned material so that you can follow the lecture. This will also help with procrastination, as it is more difficult to get motivated to read after the lecture is over.
Review notes from previous lectures.

DURING EACH LECTURE:

Come early and sit in front.
Bring your book if the lecture closely follows the text.
Use an outline format or the Cornell system (see below).
Write the date at the top.
Listen for cues, such as organizing statements and transition words.
Record legibly, including both what the lecturer says and what is written on the board or overhead.
Include examples in your notes, as these will help you both understand and remember the material.
Use abbreviations and omit unnecessary words.
Don't rely on recording a lecture or reading someone else's notes. Take notes in class even if you do record. When you listen to the recording, simply add to your base set of notes.
Don’t plan on recopying your notes. If you miss something, skip a line or two. After class, get the info from a classmate or the instructor.

AFTER EACH LECTURE:

The study tip that good students swear by: As soon as possible after class, spend 5 to 15 minutes going over your notes. Clarify, summarize, and think about the major concepts you learned.
Review your notes frequently, both alone and with a study group.
Compare your notes to another student's.

NOTEBOOK

You may prefer a binder because it allows you to insert handouts. Also, using a single binder with divider pages will mean that you never arrive in class with the wrong notebook.

THE CORNELL SYSTEM

To take notes using the Cornell system, rule each sheet as illustrated, with a 2 1/2 inch margin.

2 ½ inches	Aug. 29 Sociology
headings, questions	Details, answers, definitions

As you listen to the lecture, write your notes on the right side of the margin. After class, write key terms, topic headings, and questions in the left column. (Once you get used to this system, you may be able to write in both the right and left columns during class. To study, cover the right side and use the headings and questions on the left to quiz yourself. (This creates the same effect as flash cards without the extra work.)

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Comments: Cecelia Downs