TAKING NOTES
Taking effective notes is an essential part of the learning process. A study by the Cambridge
Psychological Society demonstrated that two weeks after a seminar, participants only
remembered on average 8.4 percent of what they had heard. Even if you are an auditory
learner, note-taking is necessary if you want to recall information accurately, so find a note
taking method or combine a few that work for you!
Why Take Notes?
Note taking promotes active listening.
It provides you with an accurate record of information.
It makes you restructure information (interpreting, condensing, and organizing).
It provides repetition of information.
We forget 60% of what we hear after only 9 hours, so if you don’t write it down, you lose
the information.
Good Notes…
Are organized.
Distinguish main points from details.
Include examples.
Indicate lecture patterns.
Allow for self-testing.
Stand the test of time.
Use abbreviations.
Include the course name, date, class notes, and a summary.
Tips for Taking Notes:
Use a binder of loose-leaf paper rather than a spiral-bound notebook.
o Using loose-leaf paper will allow you to rearrange your notes and replace them when
they are rewritten or reorganized. Using a binder will allow you to keep your class
handouts and print-offs together with your notes and to have a well-organized
notebook. You can also use tabs so that you have all of your classes in one notebook
and are never without something to study.
Take notes on only one side of the paper.
o Using only one side of the paper allows you to spread out your notes and see them
all at once.
Date, number, and title your notes.
o This will help you find information more quickly later when you need it. Use your title to
summarize the main topic of the lecture.
Focus on facts, ideas, and specific examples rather than writing every word.
o Ideas are especially important in literature, philosophy, and history classes, so be sure
to record more than just facts.
Listen carefully from the beginning of class to the end.
o Instead of closing your notebook early and getting ready to leave, listen carefully to
information given towards the end of class; summary statements may be of particular
value in highlighting main points.
Set goals when you have trouble taking notes.
o Divide your page into five sections and try to fill each part every ten minutes (or work
out your own formula).
Relax.
o If you have a hard time understanding your instructor, relax and focus even more
carefully on the content of the lecture.
Review your notes during your next free period.
o Read your notes, fill in any gaps in the information, rewrite any illegible words, and
write questions where you didn’t understand something. If you are using the Cornell
method, write a brief summary of what was covered in the class. Make note of your
ideas and reflections; keep them separate from the speaker’s.
Organize.
o Try using graphic organizers such as mapping or charts or use a note taking system
such as the Cornell method.
The 5 Rs of Taking Notes:
Record: During the lecture, write all meaningful information legibly.
Reduce: After the lecture, write a summary of the ideas and facts using key words as cue
words.
Recite: Recite all the information in your own words without looking at your notes or the
text.
Reflect: Think about your own opinions and ideas. Record questions and original ideas.
Review: Before reading new material, take 10 minutes to review your older notes. Skim
over the main ideas and details.
For more information on note-taking and to develop a personalized plan, visit an academic
coach. All appointments are available in-person at the Student Success Center, located in the
Library, or online. Adapted from Sally Lipsky, A Training Guide for College Tutors and Peer
Educators (Boston: Pearson, 2011), 84-86.
