What is the best format for taking notes in a college class?

Question

And could you give me an example? (I haven't been to school in 7 and my memory is not that sharp. I remember doing some kind of an outline format but not sure if that is the most effective)

Answer 1

While the outline system is good, it's only really effective if your professor is teaching in an outline format or if you're reading the textbook outside of class and studying on your own and taking your own notes. The reason the outline system isn't super-effective during class is because it is a very organized system, and most professors tend to "jump around" during their lectures.

Another method is the Cornell note taking method. Here, you divide the paper into 2 sections. The section on the left (smaller section) is where you write down possible test questions you think your professor might ask on an exam. On the right side (larger side) is where you do the actual note taking to answer the questions you wrote on the left. Again, this method isn't really good for in-class because it's pretty organized and you may not be able to come up with test questions quickly.

In class, I usually write a main heading and underline it. Then, everything that has to do with the topic in the main heading, I just write in "bullet form" underneath the main heading in the order that it's addressed. For example, let's say the topic is "American Revolution" my notes would look something like:

American Revolution (underlined)

(bullet) America vs. Brit's
(bullet) 1776
(bullet) Began at Lexington & Concord

....And so on until we got to a new topic where I'd start over again. This works for me, and it allows me, for the most part, to keep up with the teacher. I hope I was helpful, and best of luck with going back to school!

Answer 2

Do what works best without getting you so busy writing that you miss the discussion. Some classes pass out an outline or provide a webistie with prepared notes. Or, just draw boxes and lines and fill in keywords & ideas.

One of the best ways is to come to class prepared and in the right frame of mind, and then LISTEN to every word said and Participate by asking relevant questions. You will be able to remember those days 20 years later.

Answer 3

Write your notes in a way that makes sense to you, and the key is organization and clarity. Keep it consistent from day to day so that you don't get confused.

The best way for me is to write the main point in all capital letters, maybe a star next to it, and then every line below is a bullet point. Then I skip a line, and write the next title or main point in all Caps again. Another tip is to type your notes on the computer right after the class or soon after, you'll stay organized, and review the information again. Best of luck to you, it's awesome that you're going back to college, that's awesome.

Answer 4

As they say, whatever works best for you.

You probably write notes for yourself to remember anything from a grocery list to what kind of spark plugs you need for your car, to directions to a party.

If it works for you, use it. As far as WHAT to write, it depends on the instructor's style and requirements.

Some require you to turn in your notes, to see how much of what they are dispensing is collected by the students, and to monitor learning styles.

If an instructor emphasizes points, write them down, even if they don't make any sense, they may show up on a test.
Write explanations to yourself for the points.
Hey!.You're taking notes!

Answer 5

By the time you get to college, you're supposed to know which style of notes works best for you. It's more a personal choice than anything. For example, some people swear by Cornell Notes, but I despise them. I just wrote down my own little format that I'd developed over the years. Most of the time, it worked well for me.

Answer 6

Honestly, each person has their own "best way" for taking notes. No one way works for every single person. I personally take very extensive notes, write all over the margins...and most people probably see no rhyme or reason to them! Haha. I have friends that take notes a very formal, well-laid out way. To each his own. Just experiment and find what you are most comfortable with and what is conducive to studying.