Whether you're a high school or college
student, tests are unavoidable. If you take a multiple-choice exam your
strategy will be different than if you were to take an essay test. Learning
proper note taking, studying and test taking strategies are a vital part of
improving your grade on exams as well as your academic success.
1 - If the instructor writes something on
the chalkboard/overhead or repeats an idea then it is usually a key point and
you should write it down.
2 - Try to use a three-ring binder, it
allows for more flexibility in rearranging your notes and any handouts that you
may receive.
3 - Try to sit towards the front and
center of the class where you'll be less distracted and can hear the professor
the best and have a good angle on any visual aids that may be shown.
4 - Don't rely on someone else's notes, you
may not understand everything that they write down and you'll learn the best by
taking your own notes.
5 - If your instructor talks fast, it may
help to bring an audio recorder and record the lecture while taking notes.
After the lecture is over you can replay the lecture and fill in any parts that
you missed in your notes.
6 - Do reading assignments or homework
questions before class, it is easier to take notes when you know what the
instructor is talking about.
7- Date your notes. Add titles and subtitles
when you move onto a new topic for easy referencing.
8 - Write down any terminology along with the
definition that the instructor may present.
9 - Make sure that you write legibly, if you
can't read them later, they'll be useless. If you have sloppy handwriting it
may be wise to type your notes so that they are easier to read.
10 - If you missed what the instructor said,
ask them to repeat it or go to the instructor after class and ask for
clarification. If you are in a rush, ask the instructor at the beginning of the
next class or try to find the answer from a friend or the text.
11 - Compare notes with a classmate to make
sure you didn't miss any important points.
