by Bert Rider

Created on: August 21, 2009

Good note-taking skills are essential for a successful class experience. As many have discovered, what is in the book is not necessarily what is on the test. Professors will include additional information that they give during their lectures on exams. Therefore, in order to ensure that you are well prepared for tests, it is imperative you take good notes. Below are some tips on how to take good notes in class.

1. Organize your note-taking space. As simple as it sounds, many people ignore this. It's important to have everything you need and ready to take notes. Some professors include "small talk" before their lectures while others start talking as soon as they enter the door. So, be ready and have all of your note-taking items at your disposal.

2. Use different color pens, pencils and highlighters. This is especially helpful for visual learners. Colors help differentiate between ideas, topics and importance. For example, test specific items could be written in red while a pencil can be used for regular notes. Highlighters can be used to bring attention to key points in the textbook.

3. Place one thought on one line. In other words, don't run sentences together on one line. Just write one thing on each line, if possible. This may cause you to use more paper, but it will help you remember detailed information much easier.

4. Group similar thoughts and/or sections together. If you professor is lecturing on the differences between medieval surfs and landowners, create a separate section for each group. This will cause you to remember the qualities of that particular group for test time.

5. Follow along in your textbook. Some professors don't refer to the text at all in class, while others do. If you professor does, then follow along and highlight major points to remember. Don't be afraid to take notes in your textbooks, either. You paid for them, write in them!

6. If allowed, use digital voice recorders and camera phones. Many students bring in digital voice recorders to capture the lecture. But, don't rely on these alone. You can't just use this device and not take notes because it never fails, something will happen. You will either have dead batteries or the thing just quits. Use it as a back up, not the sole means for note-taking. Also, if your professor utilizes a dry erase board or visual aid of some kind, ask if you can take a picture. It sounds corny, but it can capture items you may not have been able to write down.

Following these tips can dramatically improve your note-taking skills. And, with practice, you will become more proficient at note-taking thus improving your test preparation and knowledge retention. Good skills can produce great results!

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