1. EFFECTIVE NOTETAKING It’s About Listening

2. LISTENing Tips L = Lead Keep yourself in the lead Prepare physically Be ready to write as soon as the professor starts talking. Prepare mentally Before class, skim the next chapter of the text; it will make the lecture easier to follow. Glance over the previous class’s notes will refresh your memory and set the stage for the current class.

3. I = Ideas Listen and write down main ideas and concepts instead of every word of the lecture.

4. S = Summarize Try to summarize the lecture into key concepts and ideas. Listen for key idea indicators…when you hear them, begin writing: “In conclusion…” “Four reasons for…” “The characteristics of…”

5. T = Talk Take part in class; even if it’s a subject you don’t like…you’ve got to be there anyway…you may as well make the best of it. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

6. E = End The last five minutes of a class are often a summary of the lecture; it’s time to fill in holes in your notes and listen to last minute instruction instead of packing up your books.

7. N = Notes Take good notes Listening is the first step of notetaking, but you’ll retain as little as 20% of the lecture after only 24 hours unless you review.

9. Notetaking Exercise

10. Notetaking Tips Read/skim your text before class Go early, stay late Sit close to the teacher Don’t try to take everything down Use abbreviations Use lots of paper Leave spaces if you can’t keep up Use a separate binder for each subject Compare notes