How to Take Better Notes Canton MI

Steps

1. Organize yourself prior to your note-taking engagement. Whether you are attending class or attending a seminar or conference, make sure to bring everything that you will need to be a good listener and an efficient note-taker. Don t forget ample paper, writing utensils and, if necessary, eyeglasses and/or hearing aids. Always have a backup pen or pencil, preferably two or three.
2. Position yourself in an area of the room where you can effectively see and hear the speaker. Have trouble seeing the blackboard? Arrive early to make sure you get a front row seat.
3. Think about what you want to retain. Why are you taking the class? Why are you attending the seminar? Why did your employer send you to the conference? While it may be your first instinct to try and write down what you hear or see verbatim, you have to remember that you are taking notes, not writing a novella (there is another wikiHow article that will tell you how to write a novella).
4. Focus on recording information that is new to you. As tempting as it might be, taking notes about stuff you already know doesn t end up helping much in the end.
5. Create a system of note-taking that allows you to write quickly and get down basic concepts, but which will also allow you to quickly find information in your notes later. Consider using an outline format, for example, or clearly separating your notes into different sections (or columns if you are using a steno pad or a computer).
6. Compose your notes in a concise and legible fashion. If you can t read your notes you are either writing too much or may need to consider using a computer.
7. Use short and meaningful phrases, and abbreviate when necessary. Don t use abbreviations that you won t recognize later.
8. Highlight key words and phrases make the important things stand out. If the speaker emphasizes a certain concept, make sure to do the same in your notes
9. Utilize symbols with meanings; symbols like arrows, dots, boxes, diagrams, charts, and other visual notes are often great ways to associate and remember key concepts.
10. Write your notes for the future. When you are in the situation, be cognizant that you will have to return to the notes later and understand your notes. If you have time, review your notes as the speaker communicates familiar material. Otherwise, go back and review them immediately after the lecture, when the topics are fresh in your mind.
11. Share your notes with others; trade and exchange notes to increase your materials and to enhance your learning. If you plan on sharing your notes with others it will often motivate you to take copious notes that are legible and understandable.

Warnings

• Don't get distracted by people who are not the speaker.
• Have a separate sheet or bring sticky notes for asides, and (optionally) number what you wrote down and mark this on both sheets to what corresponds with what.

Things You'll Need

• At least two writing utensils.
• An eraser if your writing utensils are erasable and do not have erasers attached. Magic Rub is the best brand.
• Glasses or other aids.
• Plenty of paper!
• Highlighter

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