Beth Worthy
3/17/2014
As a student, one of the most important things that you could possibly do is not only take notes, but to take them well. However, one of the biggest challenges to effective note taking is the worry that you will miss an important piece of information. When you’re in the midst of class, it can be easy to lose focus. Here are 3 helpful tips that you can incorporate into your present note taking style to ensure you gather all of the most important information for your next exam!
1. Print Your NotesOne of the biggest annoyances when it comes to note taking is the notion that you need to copy down every single thing that your professor says. It is because students are too busy doing this that they often miss a piece or two of important information that was spoken. Printing your notes can not only save you a lot of time, but it can help you focus more in class on what the professor is saying as opposed to having you sit there and take notes like a mad women. You can do this by either printing the powerpoint itself or simply printing out the outline.
2. Use Visuals As Much As PossibleOnce you’ve printed your notes, you’ll find that you have a lot more time to actually sit there and listen. Take that time to actually think out the information given to you and draw visuals on your notes whether it be arrows, underlining or even doodling. Not only does using visuals help you stay focused during the process, but it will actually also help you to retain the information better.
3. Utilize Highlighters and Different ColorsWhile this step may seem like the most self explanatory and already used component, the importance behind it is not highlighted enough! (pun intended) Using different colors to emphasize the most important information is not only incredibly helpful, but downright essential to making sure that you maintain as much information as possible. Furthermore, it will help you later on when you’re studying for an exam because it will remind you of the most important information to study.
Also Read: 3 Ways to Focus on the Finish While Enjoying the Experience
