TIPS ON NOTETAKING

• Take notes on whatever you’re most comfortable with.  Just make sure you have a good system for keeping them organized and together.
• Always date notes.
• Take notes by listening for ideas and then writing those ideas down in your own words.  Never fall into the trap of “taking dictation.”
• Remember that I am always willing to repeat ideas or to explain a concept you don’t understand.  Questions—or even an “I didn’t get that” are welcome!
• Don’t ask for insignificant words, or dates, to be repeated.  (Only a few dates are so important that you need to memorize them—and we’ll emphasize those.  Otherwise, just keep a good chronological sense of about when things are happening.)  However, if I use a word you don’t understand, ASK!
• You may use a recording device at your desk, as long as you are also taking notes.
• After class, re-work your notes by whatever method works best for you (typing them on the computer, rewriting, highlighting, adding additional notes, etc.)
• Study the notes as you go.  Never expect to be able to master them all in one night.!
• Above all, TAKE NOTES. The key to learning is to be actively engaged mentally. Taking notes keeps you focused on the topic.

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Last Modified: January 4, 2007
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