There are two things that remain constant in the college classroom; the teacher instructs, and the student writes. No matter which degree you pursue, Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master's, taking notes is an integral part of learning for the college student. That’s why when a student anticipates being absent, he or she asks a trusted classmate to take good notes. Notes are only practical if they are written properly. This article will review note taking tips that may be beneficial to you.
If you are reading research material, it is easy to go back to a previous page and reread for clarity or to check facts and insert new information in your notes, but it is a whole different ball game when taking notes when listening to a speaker. It is essential that the notes taken are good ones because you will not be able to remember every word the speaker states. So, it is best to remember some key guidelines to help you write notes that recall information.
Staying focused when a speaker is talking is key. You have to make a concentrated effort to focus on the information being presented. Try not to let your mind wander to never-never land. Shut out or move away from noises or other distractions, especially if you can easily be diverted. You may want to make sure that cell phone is off or out of sight.
A good speaker, whether it is a professor giving a class lecture or a guest speaker, will give an overview of what he or she plans to discuss; this is the introduction. They will follow through with by summing up the main points in the conclusion. Therefore, pay close attention to the introduction and conclusion. In doing so, you can have notes that reflect all of the main points of the presentation.
Nonverbal communication is also very important. Take notice of visual communications such as eye contact, body language, and hand gestures. They can sometimes emphasize a main point, which can be significant to understanding the information.
Listen for cue words. Words like first, the main point, most important, or in conclusion are transitional words that indicate important information is approaching. So, once you are given the clue, which are cue words, know to capture the information in your notes.
Do not be overwhelmed with trying to write everything you hear. Listen for important details. When writing, use only key words or phrases; do not write complete sentences. You will miss the subsequent information if you focus on writing sentences in their entirety. As soon as the speech or lecture is over, read your notes and fill in any missing details while information is still fresh in your mind.
Effective note-taking can produce an essential source for studying or a significant source of research information. Students attending online accredited schools should understand that taking excellent notes is a skill and one that should be learned by all. Students who have not yet mastered the art of note-taking should consider implementing helpful strategies when taking notes as they participate in online universities. These above guidelines will not only help you write better notes, they can help you write more efficient notes so that you can still enjoy the lecture.
