Taking Notes in Class
In classes, your teachers will talk about topics that you are studying. The
information they provide will be important for you to know when you take
tests. You must be able to take good written notes from what your teachers
say.
Taking good notes is a three-stage process in which there are certain things
you should do before class, during class, and after class. Here are the
three stages of notetaking and what you should do during each stage.
1. Get Ready to Take Notes (Before Class)
• Review your notes from the previous class session before you come to
class. This will help you remember what was covered and get you ready to
understand new information your teacher provides.
• Complete all assigned readings before you come to class. Your
teacher will expect that you have done this and will use and build upon this
information.
• Bring all notetaking materials with you to class. Have several pens
and pencils as well as your notebook.
2. Take Notes (During Class)
• Keep your attention focused on what your teacher is saying. Listen
for “signal statements” that tell you that what your teacher is about to say
is important to write in your notes. Examples of signal statements are “The
most important point…” and “Remember that . . . “ Be sure to include in your
notes information that your teacher repeats or writes on the chalkboard.
• Write quickly so that you can include all the important information
in your notes. Do this by writing abbreviated words such as med for
medicine, using symbols such as % for percent, and writing short sentences.
• Place a ? next to information you write in your notes, but about
whose meaning you are not sure.
3. Rewrite Your Notes (After Class)
• Rewrite your notes to make them more complete by changing
abbreviated words into whole words, symbols into words, and shortened
sentences into longer sentences.
• Make your notes more accurate by answering any questions you had
when writing your notes in class. Use your textbook and reference sources to
obtain the information you need to answer your questions. If necessary, ask
your teacher or other students for help.
• Check with other students to be sure you did not leave out important
information.
Having good class notes will help you to be better prepared for tests.
