Learning Strategies

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• How Do I Know What Instructors Expect?
• How Can I Make The Best Use Of Class Time?
• Where Are The Best Places To Study?
• Why Do Assigned Readings Before Class?
• Should I Always Take Notes During Class?
• Is There A Study Group For Me?
• Why Should I Go to Office Hours If I Understand the Material?
• Is A Planner Absolutely Necessary?
• How Can I Avoid End-Of-Term Crises?
• Do I Need To Take A Break?

Should I Always Take Notes During Class?

For some people, taking notes during class helps them to concentrate on the lecture and discussion. Others, however, find that not taking notes in class allows them to concentrate fully on the lecture or class discussion.

In either case, it can be helpful to sit down shortly after each class to jot down the session's most important points. Review your notes to make sure you actually can read them while the content is still fresh in your mind. Regularly developing a set of notes that combines the material covered in class with material from your assigned readings may shorten your review time before an exam.

"Sometimes, I write notes. I do stars. I do outline format. I highlight, and then, sometimes, if it's really messy, I come back home and I retype it, and that also helps me out," one of our students said. "That's just like reviewing what I wrote down, while I'm re-writing and while I'm making things clear."