
By leaving them out, students often get only part of the big picture. Many students forget to take notes from their textbook or readings. Though you may not be able to answer all of these questions for each idea, the outline method encourages you to think about all aspects of each topic. The Outline format separates our notes into six distinct sections: who, what, where,when, why, and how. Some students like to include a list of unknown vocabulary words at the bottom. The left hand column should be used to write down general lecture notes, while the right hand column should be used to designate ideas or problems you do not understand. In the Two-Column approach, simply divide your paper into two columns. Two additional note taking methods are the Two-Column approach and the Outline format. This method is called the University of Alberta System, but is used by students throughout Miami University. In the middle column explain the idea in greater detail and in the right column record specific facts or examples. In the far left column, write down all general ideas from the lecture.

University of Alberta System of Note TakingĪnother method of note taking is to divide a page of notebook paper into three columns. The summary should include the main components of the lecture and should be brief and objective. While studying some students cover up the lecture notes to see whether or not they can recall the important parts of the lecture by answering the formulated questions.Īt Miami, we encourage students to create summaries at the end of each section of lecture notes. These questions and clues will aid in preparing and studying for an exam. Using the clues and questions area, develop and write study questions and clues to help you remember the information. In between main ideas fill-in additional information from the book not covered in lecture. Fill-in incomplete information, re-write illegible words, number information, and underline important words. The review will increase your understanding of the material. Review, add, and organize your notes after class. Include diagrams, illustrations, and questions and answers provided by the instructor. Take notes in any format (outlining, informal indenting, or short paragraphs), leaving the clues and questions area blank. During the lecture record important information in the note taking area. This method was developed to help students logically organize, understand, and study course material.īy dividing a loose-leaf page of notebook paper into sections, you can create three distinct areas for note taking, with the left side of the page designated for clues and questions, the right side of the page designated for note taking, and the bottom of the page designated for summaries.Īt the top of the page include lecture title, course, professor and date.

Keep all lecture notes together and in order, preferably in a three ring binder.Decide on a seat in the classroom that minimizes distractions.Therefore, it is important to develop a system to record their explanations. Furthermore, their explanation is probably more understandable and comprehensive than the book. If a professor is willing to devote time in class to a specific topic, he/she must believe that it is important for you to know and understand. The information professors communicate during lectures is extremely important. This guide introduces numerous styles of note taking, successful methods for various subjects, ideas for transforming notes into study materials, and resources for further developing your personal approach to note taking. Your method may differ from other students’ and may vary from course to course. To be a successful student at Miami University, you are encouraged to explore and develop our own consistent style of note taking. There are multiple methods for taking notes. Developing note taking skills should help you organize information into an understandable format that will assist in your studying process. The primary purpose of note taking is to encourage active learning and to prepare study materials for exams.
