Study Smart:School Tool Box

The Lowdown on Class Notes

What to Write Down

• The teacher will usually announce the topic for that class. Write the topic down.
  
  
• If she/he doesn't mention the topic, ask.
  
  
• If the teacher writes something on the board, write it down in your notes
  
  
• Listen and look for:
  
  
  • Important dates
    
    
  • Key people
    
    
  • Names of places
    
    
  • Key concepts
    
    
  • Words your teacher defines on the board
    
    
  • Any kind of math or science formula
    
    

Make Your Notes Work for You

• Get a study partner who takes notes in class
  
  
• Compare your notes. See if you missed anything.
  
  
• Go over your notes as soon as you can after class.
  
  
• Never copy notes over again. Make notes on your notes instead.
  
  
• If you have time between classes, scan your class notes and use a highlighter to get the four main points.
  
  
• Be sure to review your notes before the next day. Just read them over.
  
  
• Is there something you're totally clueless about? Write down your question and ask the teacher first thing the next day, or before class.
  
  
• You can go to your teacher during office hours for help, too
  
  
• Try to remember what the teacher's main point was for that day. Put that point on the top of your note page for the day.
  
  
• Circle the four most important points the teacher tried to cover
  
  
• Put a check mark in the margin next important ideas.
  
  
• Put more than one check mark if it's really important.
  
  
• Once a week, make a summary sheet of the points you circled or checked.

School Survival Secret: One of the main school survival tips I use is to remember that school is for a good reason. With it, you can be a SUCCESS!!! Just remember that, and it will keep you determined to do your best, because I'm sure everyone cares about their future! -- from Umbro, an AGW member.