TAKING CLASSROOM LECTURE NOTES OVERVIEW—THE FOUR MAJOR STEPS

First remember that taking classroom lecture notes is a process—a series of steps--not a single activity. 

Below are the four major steps in the classroom note-taking process:

Step One:  Read in advance of the lecture any textbook assignments or handouts. This is your first “touch” of the information. At the least, "tinker-toy" on scratch paper the structure of the reading assignment the lecture will cover. Knowing the general structure of the information in advance of the lecture is like having the jigsaw puzzle picture to refer to when assembling the puzzle’s pieces.

Step Two:  Take notes during the lecture, being sure to follow the proper note-taking guidelines.  This is your second “touch” of the information. Remember--you are listening for and writing down The Big Six--terms, definitions, examples, lists, reasons why, and items from the board.

Step Three: Enhance your notes as soon as possible after the lecture: expand abbreviations, fill in any blanks from memory, add additional information, and create labels or “recall words” in the left-hand column. Beware of the effects of The Curve of Forgetting. If you wait too long to enhance your notes, you will have forgotten important information. Enhancing your notes gives you a third “touch” of the information.

Step Four: Choose one of the study options below.

Ø Option One: If you will be tested from the lectures, put The Big Six from your classroom notes on flashcards and quiz yourself continually using the flashcards. “Touch” the information as many times as possible. Occasionally glance through the textbook assignments, but devote the greatest amount of time to studying the lecture notes.

Ø Option Two: If you will be tested from the textbook, flashcard The Big Six you marked in the textbook. Leave your lecture notes in your notebook, but review them occasionally using the labels or “recall words” in the left-hand margin to create questions.