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Lecture Warm Up

You warm up before you workout. Do some stretching, jumping jacks, tighten your shoelaces. Have a drink of water. 
 
The same is true for note taking. Please read the below list of strategies to help you get in tip-top note taking shape.

 
Check Your Syllabus

  • Your brain, my brain, and the brain of the person on the bus who picks their nose, all like to take information and discover how it fits into something bigge. In other words, our brains naturally look for patterns and connections between pieces of information
  • Look at your syllabus before you go to class
  • Be aware of exactly what content your professor will be lecturing on
  • Not only does this tell you what to expect (which will help you to listen actively), but by doing this before each class, you will see how each class (the part) relates and fits into the entire course (the whole) 

 

Review Your Notes

  • Again, do this before each class. Even if you only get 60 seconds of reading in before your professor starts giving you test answers
  • By reviewing your notes from the previous class, you make it easier to connect the present lecture material to what you already know 

 

Take a Seat

  • Where you sit matters. The best place to sit is at the front of the classroom, near your professor
  • By sitting at the front, you have a great view of any slides your professor might present or any content they may write on the board
  • It also increases eye contact with them, which in turn increases your attention because you feel more involved in the class, and it helps them remember who you are which can influence their evaluation of your academic performance come paper and exam season 

 

Take a Smart Seat

  • Sit beside the right students
  • Your attention span has a limit and taking good notes is a demanding task. Make life easier by distancing yourself from those who may distract you
  • And be aware of how you sit. Do you slouch? Cradle your head in your hands? If you do these things, please stop
  • Sit upright and lean forward. This position makes you alert and when you’re alert, you’re taking good notes 

 

 
Cuseo, Joseph B, Aaron Thompson, Michele Campagna, Viki Sox Fecas. Thriving in College and Beyond: Research-Based Strategies for Academic Success and Personal Development. Dubuque: Kendall Hunt Publishing Company, 2016.
 
Fleet, Joan, Fiona Goodchild, Richard Zajchowski. Learning for Success: Skills and Strategies for Canadian Students. Toronto: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Canada Inc.,1990.