Page 184 - Keys To Community College Success

■ Review what you know. Taking 15 minutes before class to
review previous notes and reading will help you to follow the
lecture from the start.
■ Set up your environment. Find a comfortable seat, away from
friends if sitting with them distracts you. Set up your notebook
or, if you use a laptop, open the file containing your class notes.
Be ready to write (or type) as soon as the instructor begins
speaking.
■ Gather support. In each class, set up a support format with one
or two students so you can meet to discuss questions you have or
look at their notes after an absence. Find students whose work
you respect.

Record information effectively during class
The following practical suggestions will help you record informa-
Good listening powers note taking. When taking tion to review later:
notes in class, stop to listen to the information
before deciding what to write down. ■ Write down all key terms and definitions.
■ For difficult concepts, note relevant examples, applications, and
links to other material.
■ If questions are welcome during class, ask them. If you prefer to ask questions
after class, jot down questions as you think of them through the class period.
■ Write down every question your instructor raises, since these questions may be
on a test.
■ Be organized, but not fussy. Remember that you can always improve your notes
later.
■ Draw pictures and diagrams to illustrate ideas.
■ Be consistent. Use the same system to show importance—such as indenting, spac-
ing, or underlining—on each page.
■ If you have trouble with a concept, leave space for an explanation and flag it with
a question mark. After class, consult your text or ask a classmate or instructor
for help.
■ Go beyond the PowerPoint. When instructors use electronic resources, expand on
the main points listed there with details from the lecture.
■ Consider learning preferences. The Multiple Intelligences table in this chapter
(see page 147) suggests MI-related note-taking strategies.

Finally, don’t stop taking notes when your class engages in a discussion. Even
though it isn’t part of the instructor’s planned presentation, it often includes important
information. Key 6.3 has suggestions for how to take notes during class discussions.

Review and revise
The process of note taking is not complete when you put your pen down or close your
computer at the end of the class period. Notes are only useful to you if you review and
revise them, and within as short a time period as you can manage. The longer you wait
to review those notes, the less likely it is that you will understand them.
Class notes often have sections that are incomplete, confusing, or illegible. Review
and revise your notes as soon as possible after class to fill in gaps while the material is
still fresh, clarify sloppy handwriting, and raise questions. Rewriting or retyping notes
is a great way to reinforce what you heard in class, review new ideas, and create easy-
6 to-read study aids. It also prepares you for the rewarding strategy of combining class
CHAPTER 146 and textbook notes.