effective note taking for college students

and to get the most out of the practice, you should aim for meaning-based note taking which is characterized by thinking and processing what's being said. In comparison, as you seek to be effective in your note taking.

Surface-level note-taking involves writing down the words you hear but not really paying attention to the meaning or topic this might be similar to a court reporter taking a transcript of a trial: they record information but may not be personally processing it (Anderson & Armbruster, 1991). It's important to keep in mind the different levels of note-taking. If you aren't, consider ways you could alter your strategies to be more effective. When evaluating your own note-taking strategies, ask yourself if you're achieving those two primary functions. In addition, writing during class and reviewing notes before tests produces better recall which is important to your performance on exams (Kiewra, 1985). According to Hartley & Marshall (1974) students who take notes experience increased attention and concentration in class (as cited in Cuseo, Fecas & Thompson, 2007). Taking effective notes in class ensures your time spent in class is productive and useful.Īccording to experts, taking notes in class has two primary functions: (a) it keeps you alert, attentive and accountable as you listen, and (b) the notes themselves become a record of what was said in lecture or discussion that can be used later for studying and review (Seward, 1910). Attending class lectures is one of the most important things you can do for your academic success.

Effective note taking for college students