Lecture note-taking is one of the most useful skills you can learn in college. It helps you remember important material from class, process and retain the information. It also leaves you with a nice outline to refer back to during exam time. There is a tendency for students to try and write down everything the professor says during a lecture. Doing this, is not only ineffective, but means you’re less likely to be paying attention to the lecture. These tips and tricks are designed to help you get the most out of each lecture.

Things to Remember

• It is important to have a separate notebook for each class.
• Be creative! Use pens, pencils, highlighters and other writing utensils to help you identify information.
• Focus on key information and repeated words/ideas during the lecture, because these are likely to be the most important.

Methods

The video above addresses five different lecture note-taking methods that could be useful for you. I have listed the advantages of each method as well as an example of each method. Just like most academic methods, it is important to mention that not every method works for every person so find what works best for you.

Outline Method

Advantages: Organized, Shows relationships between information, Easy to review

Cornell Method

Advantages: Organized, Easy to identify key information, Saves times

Mind Map Method

Advantages: Good for visual learners, Easy to track relationships, Good to use for reviewing

Flow Method

Advantages: Builds strong connections between information, Facilitates Learning While Taking Notes, Good for Visual Learners

Slides Method

Advantages: Easiest of all methods, Convenient, Already has the key points listed

There is more to lecture note-taking than what happens in class. Be sure to prepare for each class by doing the assigned readings and picking up on key points addressed in them. It’s also important to mention that each of these methods can be used in a notebook or on a laptop/tablet if that is your preferred note-taking option.