Taking Notes & Reading
Don’t Be Afraid to Change
Many students believe that once their notes have been taken in class, they somehow become sacred and should not be altered. Nothing is further from the truth! It is not only useful, but actually essential that you review your notes after each lecture and add to or modify the ideas captured on the page. Comparing your notes with those of a classmate, referencing the lecture to the relevant chapters in your textbook, or talking with the professor directly are all good ways to supplement your notes. Ideally, this review should be done within a few hours of class, but never more than 24 hours after the lecture. Following this strategy will maximize your chances of remembering important ideas.
Remember, practice makes perfect with this skill, so practice taking notes whenever you can!
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