Taking Better Notes In Class

Notes taken well during class do two jobs. They help you hold on to what the teacher explained, and they become a handy guide to the lesson when you sit down to revise. As you write, make a point of marking out the most important ideas so they stand out later. Beyond that, three habits make a real difference.

Listen first

Taking notes is only useful if you have actually heard what the speaker said. Give the lesson your full attention, and keep your desk clear of anything that might pull your focus away. The fewer objects around you, the fewer distractions you will have to fight.

Capture the main points

You do not need to write down every sentence. Note the key ideas, and under each main heading jot down the supporting factors, even if it is just one word per point. Done this way, your notes will give you a clear outline of everything the teacher covered, at a glance.

Put them in order

Before you walk out of the classroom, file your notes in the folder for that subject and arrange the pages in sequence. Check that everything is in the right order and easy to locate, so that when exam time comes you can find exactly what you need without a frantic search.