Study Skills At University: Note Taking

By Jon Ginsburg

Starting studies at colleges and universities, students are often unprepared for the amount of note-taking that they need to do in class. Whether you are studying the arts, humanities or sciences, professors add their own views and thoughts to the material they are teaching, even when they are closely following a textbook, and they often add further information. This information is often included on quizzes and exams, so it is vital that you have it written down in order to study and review all the course material.

There are many ways to take notes. The best way for you will be one that allows you to pay attention to what is happening in class while you are taking notes and that will result in notes that you are able to make sense of weeks or even months after the material has been presented.

Some students are using laptops computers or tablets in class, but there are drawbacks to these electronic devices. As they are powered, you run the risk of losing that power and having to turn your hand to a substitute method. As well, they can be distracting not just for you, but for your classmates. The click of the keys can be disturbing to others and the amount of procrastinatory material available on a laptop or tablet is virtually endless, particularly if there is internet access. For these reasons, it is worthwhile to consider more traditional methods of note taking, using a simple pen and paper. The exception to this is for those who find note taking a real challenge and who might benefit from making an audio recording of your lectures. If you do, check with your professor first, as some are opposed to this practice.

When taking notes, don’t try to jot down every single thing that the professor says. It is important to actually listen to what is being said, in order to process the information as well. Write down the main points, including any ideas you have that may be of use in future assignments. Copy anything important that the professor writes on the board, or presents in a PowerPoint or overhead, as well as anything that is highlighted or emphasized.

Make sure that you use a system that works for you, leave space for extra information and be sure to write things in a legible manner. You shouldn’t have to re-write your notes in order to make sense of them. With a good system your notes will be of immeasurable use as you study and revise for exams.

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