• Your choice--as the professor is speaking:
  • Write on the handout or write on a separate piece of paper
    
  • Abbreviate when possible
    
  • Write fast
    
  • Be prepared for class (e.g., do the readings before class)
    
  • Leave room in margins--for extra notes you might take
    
  • Star important things (e.g., repeated information, when the professor says, "This is a good topic." Listen for clues regarding certain information that might be on the exam.
    
  • Highlight
    
  • Create your own color coding system i.e., blue for exam topics, pink for important dates, yellow for definitions.
  
• Take notes on laptop.

• Tape record. Always ask the professor first.

• Retype/rewrite your notes.

• Remember to listen and not get too caught up in the notes.

• Print out notes from the internet before going to class.

• Get phone numbers of classmates in case you miss a class or you don’t understand something.

• Go over notes after class and discuss questions that you have or questions your professor has given you with classmates.

• Studies show that re-reading or typing your notes within 24 hours makes it easier to remember the information.

NOTE: Note taking styles differ from one individual to another. Try some of the suggestions listed above and create a system that works for you.