G AVILAN C OLLEGE

Writing Center

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Note-Taking Strategies

Why taking notes is important.

How to use your notes to help you learn key concepts.

The Writing Center will make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities who wish to participate in this event. If you require an accommodation, contact Sara Sanchez at (408)848-4811. Please include the requested accommodation along with your contact information.

Be Prepared

• • • • • Arrive to class on time.

Sit up front.

Use loose-leaf paper.

Title and date your notes.

Have assigned reading and work done ahead of time.

Gavilan College Writing Center

Look and Listen

You have one chance to hear and observe the lecturer.

• Prepare to listen.

▫ Have a positive mindset.

• ▫ Eliminate distractions.

Pay attention to questions.

▫ ▫ Other students.

The instructor.

Gavilan College Writing Center

Gavilan College Writing Center

Listen for Clues

• • • • • • • Emphasis: “Here’s the key . . .” or “One significant reason . . .” Repetition: “Once again . . .” or “As I said before . . .” Controversy: “Some people feel that . . . , but others feel . . .” Consensus: “Experts agree . . .” Absolutes: “Always,” “never,” “all,” “everyone,” “none,” etc.

Review: “In summary . . .” or “In conclusion . . .” “That would be a great test question!”

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Close and Careful Observation

• • • • • • • Gestures Change of movement Facial expressions Volume Tempo Obvious pause Writing on the board

Putting Pen to Paper

• • • • • • • • Put it in your own words.

Use keywords.

Abbreviate.

Illustrate.

Notations: stars, arrows, brackets, boxes, etc.

Give yourself room.

If you miss something, leave a clue (?, space) to fill in later.

Don’t be afraid to ask or note questions.

Review your Notes

• • • • • • • Do it early. Do it often.

Review with a friend.

▫ Compare notes.

▫ Reinforce key concepts.

Summarize lecture within 24 hours.

Make flashcards.

See it, hear it, touch it.

Clear versus muddy.

Note follow-up questions.

Cornell Notes

• • Why use Cornell Notes?

• Encourages you to organize your class notes.

• • Gives you a polished set of notes to study from.

Gets the information into both short- and long-term memory.

• How to get the most benefit.

• Saves time when studying for quizzes and tests.

Read and highlight.

• Jot down key words, phases, and questions.

Summarize.

Review daily. Fold paper to quiz yourself.

Gavilan College Writing Center