FIRST AND FOREMOST: CHECK YOUR ATTITUDE.
1. This class is your job.
 How much effort are you putting in to it? Do you always clock in late or just not show
up?
 If this class was really your job, would you get fired or would you get a raise?
Or
2. This job is your investment. You are investing:
 Time- time away from your family, friends, sleep, job and life.
 Money- tuition, gas, supplies, textbooks etc.
 Effort, opportunity.
Nurture and protect your investment. You want it to pay off!
SHOWING UP IS MORE THAN HALF THE GAME.
1. Always attend the first class. This makes a good impression on the instructor. It lets you
know what the instructor is like and it gets you off to a good start.
2. Don’t miss class unless you are sick. Your teacher can explain something in a fraction of
the time it would take you to figure it out on your own.
Poor class attendance is associated with poor grades. Studies show that students with C or
below were found to be those most likely to have been absent from class.
3. Yes, you must go to the boring classes. It reflects your attitude about succeeding in class.
4. Participate in class and ask questions.
And finally…
“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out…”
-Robert Collier
HCCS Learning Module/ DeShaunta L. Stewart
1
Strategy
Explanations
1. Identify the main idea
Identify and write down the most
important ideas; details are
important but concentrate on digging
up the key points
2. Look for “signal phrases”
“Signal phrases” signal that the
instructor is about to say something
significant: a main idea, key point or
definition. Phrases like: “This is
important”, “This will be on the
test”, “The three major types…”
“You should remember…” “Because
of this…”
3. Don’t tune out
Don’t stop listening because the
information is difficult, unclear or
boring. Develop the discipline to
keep listening and to keep writing.
You can sort it out later by asking
questions of the instructor, other
students or tutors.
HCCS Learning Module/ DeShaunta L. Stewart
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4. Watch your posture
Your posture influences how you feel.
Sitting up straight will trick your
mind to believing you are more alert.
5. Don’t write everything
Think and paraphrase the lecture
into shorter, condensed phrases.
Look for main points, and significant
details.
6. Write in phrases, not
sentences
Take notes in your own words
because you will remember them
better. Don’t bother with complete
sentences
7. Ask questions
Ask for clarification or additional
information. Asking questions shows
the instructor you are interested and
gives the instructor a chance to
provide the class with important info.
8. Use abbreviations and
symbols
Use symbols like &,@ or make up
your own. Use abbreviations for
words you use over and over, or drop
vowels, for example, write: drp vwls
9. Set up a support system
Get the names and numbers of at
least two classmates to discuss the
notes.
HCCS Learning Module/ DeShaunta L. Stewart
3
NOTES
Fill in the empty boxes with note tips from other students in the workshop.
Strategy
1. Identify the main idea
Explanations
“Signal phrases” signal that the instructor
is about to say something significant: a
main idea, key point or definition. Phrases
like: “This is important”, “This will be on
the test”, “The three major types…” “You
should remember…” “Because of this…”
2.
3. Don’t tune out
4. Watch your posture
Think and paraphrase the lecture into
shorter, condensed phrases. Look for main
points, and significant details.
6.Write in phrases not sentences
7.Ask questions
Use symbols like &,@ or make up your
own. Use abbreviations for words you use
over and over, or drop vowels, for
example, write: drp vwls
9.Set up a support system
HCCS Learning Module/ DeShaunta L. Stewart
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Formats for
Notetaking
General Tips
Try to make your notes look less intimidating. You have to use your notes to study, and messy
notes may discourage you from reading them later.
 Complete the reading before class so that the lecture is more of a review than an introduction.
 Date and number each page.
 Take notes on just one side of your paper. This way your notes don’t become too confusing.
It also looks neater.
 Leave lots of blank space in your notes. For example, skip a line between main ideas. It
makes it easier to find information. Books use this technique to make their books more
readable.
Binders are Better
 Binders will give you the flexibility to move notes around and try different ways of
organizing them.
 Use separate sheets of 81/2 by 11 inch paper for each class.
 Purchase an inexpensive hole punch.
 If you are given handouts, punch holes in them and insert them immediately following that
day’s notes.
 If your instructor jumps from topic to topic, you can try starting a new page for each new
topic.
 Organize a separate binder for each class. Keep everything you need in that one binder
including notes, hand-outs, syllabus and a zip-up pouch with a spare pen, paper clips and
emergency chocolate.
HCCS Learning Module/ DeShaunta L. Stewart
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Formats
Try different formats. Some formats work best with certain types of instructors. Use the
examples or come up with your own format.
Classic Outline
If your instructor is very organized and gives lots of “signal phrases” and clues that point out
main ideas, this is the natural choice. You are probably familiar with this format already.
A quick refresher:





Main section headings are marked with Roman numerals (upper case) I, II, III, IV etc.
Each point under each section is with capital letters.
Important points under each section are marked with Arabic (regular) numbers 1, 2, 3, 4…
Any points under these points are marked with lower- case letters.
Indention sets of each level from the other.
Part of an outline on the Spanish-American war might look like this:
I. Factors leading to the start of the Spanish—American War
A.
Increased American expansionism
1. President McKinley’s platform included
possession of Hawaii
2. Plan for isthmus canal
B.
William Randolph Hearst
1. Yellow journalism
2. the De Lome letter
3. Support for Cuban insurrectionists
C.
Sinking of the Maine
HCCS Learning Module/ DeShaunta L. Stewart
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Simplified Outline
Good for discussion classes;
Main Topic
Supporting Detail
Supporting Detail
Main Topic
Supporting Detail
Supporting Detail
An example from an abnormal psychology class (Notice the use of abbreviations and white
space.)
Mood disorders probs of emotion severe
3 disorders depression, bipolar, suicide
Major depression
vry sad low self – esteem pos. insomnia, fatigue, loss of appetite.
Ernest Hemingway Abraham Lincoln
Most common disorder 10% of the pop. 2/3 are women.
Often measured on Beck scale – scores over 12
Below that normal sadness
Bipolar disorder “manic depression” Gustav Mahler
Mood swings ovr time, wild elation or irritation then depression
High self esteem, racing thoughts, rapid talk, wild plans
1% of the pop.
HCCS Learning Module/ DeShaunta L. Stewart
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Columns
Is the lecture confusing? Are you left with lots of question? Use the column method.




Draw a line lengthwise down the paper.
Take notes on the right hand side .
The left hand side is the “What?” column.
When the instructor uses a word or mentions something you don’t understand, or questions
pop up in your head, write it down right across from the notes in the “What?” column
II.
Factors leading to the start of the
Spanish – American War
A. Increased American
expansionism
1. President Mckinleys’
platform included
possession of Hawaii
2. Plan for isthmus canal
What is an “isthmus canal”?
Why do we want one?
B.
William Randolph Hearst
1. Yellow journalism
2. the De Lome letter
3. Support for Cuban
insurrectionists
C.
Sinking of the Maine
Why did US support Cuban
revolution?
The Cornell System
The Cornell system is named after the college where it was invented. This format works well
with any lecture situation.
 Divide the page with a vertical line into two parts, with the left-hand part about 2 inches
wide.
 While listening to the lecture, take all your notes on the right side.
 When you go back later, make notes on the left hand side.
HCCS Learning Module/ DeShaunta L. Stewart
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Headings
Main ideas
Key words/phrases
Summaries
Your questions
Your ideas
Notes taken in class
The advantages of the Cornell system are that it encourages you to
 Review your notes
 Think about the notes so that you can organize them on the right side.
 You can take notes quickly in a disorganized lecture, then go back later and organize your
writing with your remarks on the left side.
Mood disorders
Mood disorders probs of emotion severe
3 types
3 disorders/ depression, bipolar, suicide
major depression Major depression
vry sad low self – esteem pos. insomnia, fatigue, loss of
appetite.
Ernest Hemingway Abraham Lincoln
frequency
Most common disorder 10% of the pop. 2/3 are women.
Often measured on Beck scale – scores over 12
Beck
Below that normal sadness
bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder “manic depression” Gustav Mahler
Mood swings ovr time, wild elation or irritation then
depression
High self esteem, racing thoughts, rapid talk, wild plans
1% of the pop.
Another advantage is that it cues you to where information is in your notes.
When you come back to study for a test, you can go straight to what you need.
HCCS Learning Module/ DeShaunta L. Stewart
9
Complete outside reading
Keep your eye on the prize
In order to follow the lecture and take good
notes it is important to complete outside
readings and assignments ahead of time. The
more familiar you are with the subject, the
better you will do in class.
Having trouble staying awake in a certain
class ? Write at the top of your notes how
the class relates to your goals. The reminder
of why you are attending class, (even a boring one, should keep you on track.
Bring the right materials
Be alert to repetition
Make sure you have a pen, pencil, textbook,
notebook and any other material you will
need.
Make a note when the teacher repeats a
phrase or idea. This signals that the idea is
important.
Sit front and center
Watch the board and other visuals
The closer you are to the lecturer, the more
likely you are to stay awake, the fewer distractions and the fewer heads in front of you.
You can see the visual aids better and the
instructor can see you if you have any questions.
If an instructor takes time to write something down, it is a signal of the importance
of the material. Copy all diagrams, names,
places, dates, definitions and statistics.
Review prior to class
When you hear something you disagree
with, note your disagreement and let it go.
Don’t allow internal dialogue to drown out
the rest of the lecture. Absorb the information and postpone debates for later.
Arrive early and read over notes. Look at
sections of the textbook you have highlighted. Jot down questions you need to
answer.
Postpone debate
Let go judgments on lecture styles
Participate in class
Ask questions. Join in class discussion. Be
willing to take or look silly in order to learn.
Accept your wandering mind
If your mind starts to wander, refocus your
attention. Stay alert by paying attention to
your note-taking, looking directly at your
instructor, and taking brief notice of your
environment.
HCCS Learning Module/ DeShaunta L. Stewart
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Don’t let your attitude about an instructors’
style, habits or appearance get in the way of
your education. Let go of judgments about
rambling, unorganized lectures, and turn
them to your advantage. Take the initiative
and organize the material yourself. Separate
the main points from the examples and supporting material.