Effective Note-Taking

1. Effective Note-Taking

2. Headings for each HW Assignment • At the top of each HW you need to have the following: • Full name • Date • HW# _____: Description, page #’s • You will lose points on HW Assignments if you do not do this!

3. Organization of Notes • Put section #’s at the beginning of each section • A title at the top of each section will also help you when you use your notes to study from.

4. Reading and Note-Taking • Use the objectives and key terms listed at the beginning of each section to help identify major topics. • Read through the chapter first without taking any notes, then take notes on the major points you identified during your reading.

5. Reading and Note-Taking • When you take notes you need to include information from all major headings and cover all the main points in each section.

6. Identifying Main Points • Bold terms / Key Terms should be defined. • Do not copy definitions from the glossary • Read each paragraph and try to sum it up in 1 sentence or with a diagram or a combination of the two.

7. Guidelines for Note-Taking • Be brief. Write down only the major points and important information. • Use bullet points to keep your notes concise. • Write legibly and space out your notes on your paper. • Translate ideas into your own words.

8. Guidelines for Note-Taking • Use abbreviations to speed up the process. • Use FONT, color, and size to draw attention to important points. • Eg. When we LXR in class on the same material use a highlighter or colored pen to underline material you already have in your notes.

9. Pull it all Together • At the end of each section write a sentence to sum up the main ideas.