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The Essential Guide to Taking Good Notes in Class.

The Essential Guide to Taking Good Notes in Class.

Knowing how to take notes correctly in class is essential for retaining important information .

Why ? Because 9 hours after a lesson, we have already forgotten 60% of our notes.

Even if the miracle solution doesn't exist, there are 3 proven methods for taking good notes.

So to better record the info, test them without delay:

The Essential Guide to Taking Good Notes in Class.

To print this practical guide in PDF, click here.

1. The summary method

This method consists of organizing the ideas on the page well, respecting precise spacing.

This is the ideal method when:
- The outline of a presentation (slide type) has already been provided.
- You want to take notes from written materials.

The advantage: Main points can easily be turned into question during proofreading.

The downside: We do not see the relations or connections between the arguments.

2. The Cornell Method

This method relies on a notes page division system that was developed by dr. Walter Paulk of Cornell University in the United States.

When you review your notes:
• Transform the key words/ideas in the clues column into questions.
• Hide your notes.
• Try to answer the questions from memory.

This is the ideal method for:
- Easily produce and memorize the important ideas of a lesson.
- Prepare and revise for exams.

The advantage :The printable Cornell grade sheet is available online by clicking right here.

The downside :This method requires additional time to complete the "summary" column.

3. Cartography

Ideas are visually connected in a non-linear way.

This is the ideal method for:
- Courses with dense content.

The advantage: The notes can be refined afterwards by recreating the cartography via a program like draw.io for example.

The downside :Note taking can be tricky if you are unsure of the lesson structure beforehand.

General tips:

Before class:
- Read the relevant chapters of the book and/or view the slides. You will become comfortable with the topic and you will be able to identify key ideas more easily.

During the course:
- In an amphitheater, sit as far forward as possible.
- Pay attention to clues on important points:repetitions, changes in the lecturer's tone of voice.
- Do not write everything and always rephrase what you hear.
- Use shorthand, abbreviations and symbols.

After class:
- Proofread your notes within 24 hours.
- Identify any comprehension problems, and consult your teacher, classmates or course book for help.