If you have to think about how you will be taking notes, you won’t be taking notes the way you should. So, the key is to keep it simple, and comfortable for the way you think.

The second rule of taking notes is to come to class prepared. Do your assigned reading before the lecture. You’ll be surprised how much more sense the lecture makes. Skim your notes from the previous lecture to give you a better sense of continuity.

The third rule of taking notes is to do what works for you. I’ll tell you what I did. It may make sense to some of you and seem crazy to others. I took notes on a spiral notebook, and only took notes on the front of each page.

Before class, I outlined the chapter from the text onto the back of the pages. I opened the spiral so I could see my outline, and took corresponding notes on the front pages. Later, when I studied, I have both the text and notes in one place. Um...this was before laptops, and almost pre-personal computers.

In my mind, there was no way you could copy the projection screen word for word and still listen to my lecture...and this isn’t good note taking. My lecture was much more in depth and contained key information for exams that my projections screens did not.

So listen. Listen for key words, and key information. Listen too for hints of what may be on your next exam!

Reading is an art in itself. But before we learn how to take notes on reading assignments, lets talk about what NOT to do when taking notes from reading assignments:

1. Do not highlight everything. Everything isn’t important.
2. Do not read when you’re sleepy, you’re wasting time just to make yourself feel productive.
3. Do not try to multi-task when you read, reading requires your entire concentration.
4. Do not rush through your reading when you’re reading for comprehension.

OK, so what should I be doing when I read? Glad you asked.

1. If you’re in college check with your professor about how she uses her textbook. Some use it as their primary source of material for lectures, while others use it to supplement their lectures. Some professors may not use much of the text at all, so determine how important the text is for the class, then use it appropriately.
2. Read the Introduction and then the conclusion first to give you a feel for what the chapter will cover. If you’re still a bit uncertain, skim the section headings to give you a feel for the outline of the chapter.
3. When you read, read actively. This goes along with “don’t read when your sleepy”. Don’t just trudge along, counting the number of pages you have left. Make sure you’re understanding what you read as you go.
4. A part of reading actively is to stop and ask yourself questions as you read.. This tests your knowledge and breaks up your reading into smaller sections. You’ll also find that this helps your recall too. I generally stop to ask questions at the end of each page...maybe you should take some notes here.
5. If you start to get groggy, stop reading. Go exercise or take a brisk walk. I love running when I’m groggy, it really clears my head. Besides, reading more pages as your comprehension deteriorates is counterproductive.
6. If you’re just too tired to exercise, eat some energizing foods. Fruits or salads are good. Stay away from the heavy stuff, and if you’re like me, carbs will knock you out.
7. Use a highlighter selectively. When I bought a used book, you can tell when the previous owner got tired because all of the sudden everything is highlighted. Highlight key concepts and key words (or what your professor emphasizes).
8. Use the margins of your book for note taking, or use your spiral notebook to take notes. Wherever you decide to take notes, take the time to write the notes in your own words. Doing this ensures you understand what you’re reading.