Study Skills Lesson 5

Note Taking

Deciding When to Take Notes

• Write down any outlines or terms the teacher writes on the blackboard or the overhead projector. If the teacher feels it is important enough to write down it will most likely be test material later.

• Listen for teacher cues such as “This is important.”, “Listen carefully”, or “Write this down.”

• Write down words or ideas that the teacher repeats. Repetition is a way of getting main points across.

• If you miss something – ASK for the teacher to repeat him/herself. Get the notes you missed from a friend.

How to Take Notes

• Develop your own layout for notes. Decide on a format you are comfortable with such as an outline.

• Write the date on the top of the page.

• Number your pages each day.

• Leave spaces between lines or important details.

• Use phrases, lists, etc. Don’t always write complete sentences.

» May 25

» Page 1

3 Types of Rock1. Igneous2. Metamorphic3. Sedimentary

• Use abbreviations for common words – you can make up your own symbols as long as you remember them and use them consistently.

• Underline important vocabulary and headings to help you when reviewing notes.

• EXAMPLES:– & = and

– US = United States

– W/ = with

– Ex= example

– NY = New York

– w/o = without

– Etc. = and more

– Cont. = continued

Here are notes from a Science class: See how simple notes can be!!

Jan. 21Page 32

Climate - the ave. of all weather cond. in a place over many years

Weather – the cond. of the atmosphere on a given day

5 Factors that determine weather1.2.

Points to Remember!!!

• Look & Listen• Go back and highlight

notes after you have taken them.

• This takes practice – keep trying.

• Be Consistent – use them same format for all classes.