1	TAKING NOTES
2	Alternatives to Attending Class Reading the text Some subjects are too difficult to learn from just reading. You should read the text anyway! Using someone else’s notes Depends on the completeness of those notes! What another finds important to note may be different from what you would note. Taping the lecture Misses any visual information like pictures or graphs. Not allowed in most academic institutions
3	The IMPORTANCE of Attending Class You get to hear the instructor talk about key ideas. It is often those ideas that you will be expected to know for exams. You have the chance to ask questions. Decide to attend all your classes regularly!
4	Taking Notes: Organization Use full sized paper, not a small note tablet. Keep all class notes together and separate from other classes. Date each day’s notes. A large loose-leaf notebook as shown is recommended. A spiral bound notebook with several sections will work also. Write legibly!
5	Prior to Class Read the pertinent section(s) of the text, even if you think you know the material. Being “current” with the terminology and symbols helps you take better notes.
6	While In Class Pay attention to the lecture. Key off of personality signals and speaking clues. Develop an instinct for what is meaningful.
7	Taking Notes: Space on the Page Take notes on only one side of a page. Leave space at the top and at the left margin. Skip a few lines when starting notes on a new topic or idea.
8	Outline Format
9	Use Your Own Words Most of the time you should write notes using your own words. On occasion, exactness is important and notes must be taken verbatim. Examples: definitions, quotations, formulae. You can always leave room to add your own interpretation of the verbatim notes so it is easier for you to remember.
10	Abbreviations Use abbreviations to save time! Use abbreviations for recurring terms. In psychology o c might stand for operant conditioning. In history Ren might stand for Renaissance. In algebra q f might stand for quadratic formula. Add a key of your abbreviations to your notes.
11	Com Abbrevs (Common Abbreviations) w/ for with eg for example + for and dt for date Eu for Europe elec for electricity chr for chromosome pop for people or population chem for chemical or chemistry
12	Instructor Personality Signals Gestures
13	Instructor Speaking Clues Foreshadowing Repetition Issue statements Consensus statements Absolutes
14	Note Details That Connect or Explain Too many students copy only the main points, leaving out the supporting details. As time passes they may forget details that serve as a connecting bridge between ideas. In the sciences, students copy formulae but fail to note what the variables mean. ALWAYS REVIEW YOUR NOTES!