Notes contain theories that need processing and gaining lessons from. Taking down class notes is an integral task to the daily learning process of students. Your notes serve as mirror to daily lessons and assist you sharpen your memory as well as to analyze and process information. Thus, your class notes properly taken down can lead to a better academic standing. Enumerated below are some note-taking tips:
Before entering class
Preparing yourself for any undertaking is a very good reflection of self-discipline. This trait ensures success to your endeavors as well as to your career. Make sure that before entering the class or even before going out of your house, your class books, papers, writing materials and essential school supplies are all tacked in your bag. After ensuring the basic writing materials, familiarize yourself with the topic of your subjects by reading in advance your text books. Familiarity to the topics and subject in school will make it easier for your jotting down notes. You will as well slowly get better familiarity to the terms and abbreviations being used in each topic.
Jotting down in class
After a good preparation and review of your class topic, you are better as well to listen. Listening and hearing are two different things. You can actually be hearing what your teacher is saying but not necessarily listening. Listening is one of the basic ingredients of learning your lessons. Once you are ready to listen, you will be even more prepared to take notes. Listening entails the ability of understanding what your teacher is saying and being able to jot down notes for review. When you are able to do this, it will easier to recall your lessons and gives a greater chance to be given higher marks in class.
To jot down notes in order, these pointers can help:
* Make use of lists – numbering your notes, using bullet points or any other type of list will assist you to organize your information quickly as well puts focus and stress points to your subject matter.
* Make use of signs and symbols – using various signs and symbols such as arrows, stars, lines, underlining, and letter size can help you recall and understand your notes fullest.
* Providing extra space – an extra space in your notebook allows you to make further notes that is necessary to make you understand and analyze your notes the next time.
Photo Credit : Jon Aslund
