What are the points to be remembered while making efficient class notes?

MAKING EFFICIENT CLASS NOTES 

You need to be prepared in order to make efficient class notes. Taking good notes is a three-stage process. Given below are the three stages of note taking:

1. Preparing to take notes (before class)

(a) Go through the notes from the previous class or session before you go to the next class. This will help you remember what was covered and understand new information delivered by the teacher or speaker.

(b) If the teacher has asked you to read something before coming to the class then complete all such work so that when the teacher enters into a new area you will be able to follow it.

(c) Bring all note-taking materials such as pen, pencil, writing board, and paper with you.

2. How to take notes (during class)

(a) Pay attention to what the teacher is saying. Listen for 'signal statements' which will tell you what your teacher is about to say and is important to write in your notes. Examples of signal statements are the most important point...', Remember that...', and 'One of the most important aspects of...'.

(b) Be sure to include in your notes the information that the teacher repeats or writes on the board.

(c) Write quickly so that you can include all the important information in your notes. Make use of abbreviated forms of words and expressions.

3. Rewrite your notes (after class)

(a) Rewrite your notes to make them complete by changing abbreviated words into whole words, symbols into words, and shortened sentences into longer sentences.

(b) Make your notes more accurate by answering any question you had while writing your notes in the class.

(c) Check with other students to make sure that you have not missed any important information while taking notes. Making yourself familiar with the subject matter before hand helps in the preparation of effective notes. There are different methods by which you can make good notes. The important note taking methods are given below.