A Notetaking Method with some Suggestions

I. Before Lecture: Preparation

• Do the reading
• Review subject before class
• Prepare paper: draw a line down left side of page, creating a 2-3 inch margin

II. During Lecture: Notetaking

• Take notes on right, larger side of divided paper
• Listen for overall picture and main points that professor emphasizes
• Write selectively
  • use paragraph form
  • indent to show subpoints
• abbreviate cautiously

III. After Lecture: Edit and Review

• Immediately: Edit
  • fill in blanks
  • unabbreviate
  • clean up
• Daily: Reflect
  • jot down key words, phrases, ideas in left column
  • summarize the lecture in a paragraph at the bottom of last page: write whole sentences stating what you learned
• Weekly: Review
  • cover right side of notes, test yourself using key words of left column
  • look for interconnections between lectures (use the syllabus as a guide)

Adapted by Karen Jolly from the Cornell Notetaking Method 1/12/98