David
HIAD 7541
June 21, 2010
LECTURE NOTE TAKING ADVICE FOR PTA STUDENTS
(Adapted from Teaching at Its Best by Linda B. Nilson)
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Feel free to tape record lectures unless otherwise specified but you will learn better by taking notes actively
during class. Besides re-listening to a taped lecture is time consuming.
Maintain a separate notebook for each class. Identify each lecture by the date and topic. Attach hand-outs
securely with the appropriate lecture notes.
Review the reading assignment PRIOR to the lecture.
Come to class prepared with all of your note taking needs including the specified textbook.
Sit where you can see and hear well. Consider things that may be distracting to you.
Arrive early to class in order to be prepared physically and mentally. Be prepared to listen until the
instructor is officially finished.
Star or highlight confusing information for questions later.
Write legibly. Avoid cramming too much information on to one page. Leave space for your additional
notes later.
Note key phrases during the lecture that show transition. “The following,” “the most important,” and “on
the other hand” are examples of these.
Note key cues for important points such as deliberate repetition, pausing, writing on the board, a specific
slide display, etc.
Note the instructor’s body language and voice tones. These may indicate importance of the lecture content.
Take notes in an outline form. Do not write in complete sentences! Drop all unnecessary words and only
note words that are essential to your understanding of the information.
Draw pictures and diagrams.
Write fast. Use your own form of short hand, abbreviations, and symbols to increase the speed of your note
taking.
Highlight or emphasize in some way key words or points during the lecture.
Don’t hesitate to politely ask the instructor to repeat a point or to slow down if he or she is moving too
quickly. Chances are someone else will be glad you did! Leave spaces for missed information. Avoid
contradicting the instructor if needed until a private time.
Use pauses, lighter moments, or breaks to re-read your notes and add in left out information.
Stay focused on the lecture. Try to listen as well as write.
Avoid private conversations during the lecture. This is distracting and disturbing to your fellow classmates
and the instructor.
Compare your notes with a fellow student. As you compare discuss your personal thoughts and
perspectives.
The worth and validity of the lecture information may not be adequately reflected by the instructor’s lecture
style. We all have bad days from time to time.
Review, edit, clarify, and elaborate (with the use of the text and collaboration with your classmates) your
notes within 24 hours of the lecture, a week later, and again often relation to the pertinent exam.
Think long-term learning in relation to this course. Your future career and personal aspirations may be
highly dependent upon what you gain from this course. Keep that in focus and try to find ways to
remember the material that you are learning.
Remember that your instructor is your best resource in this course. Ask questions and seek insight as
needed. Strive to have a good rapport with the instructor. It is a relationship that is doubly conducive.