Reviewing your class notes
So you've been to class, made notes and now you're back in your room thinking "At least I'm
done with this for now". Right?
Not necessarily.
Why should I review my notes?
If you want to remember what you've just heard, the best way to make those memories stick is to
review your notes.
Maybe you want to take longhand notes in class and type them up when you get back to your
dorm. Maybe your professor mentioned some related reading, or some interesting points that you
want to follow up.
Whatever your initial reason for doing this (or not doing it!) you should consider the following:
Reviewing your notes makes it easier to remember the information.
If you remember it properly now, you will have less re-learning to do during the run-up to a test
or your final exam. You forget 60% of new material within 24 hours, unless you reinforce the
memory, so 30 minutes a day spent reviewing your notes actually saves you time and effort later.
What should I do when reviewing my notes?
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Double-check facts and spelling
Fill in any gaps you left in class, using the textbook
Expand on any abbreviations that might not be clear later
Make a list of concepts or vocabulary you're not sure about
o look them up
o or ask your professor for clarification
When should I review them?
Ideally, right after class. (Of course, you did the required reading before the class, so it's just a
question of checking your information.) If you have another class immediately after, make sure
you get it done within 24 hours. This is when your memories are still fresh and you can
supplement your class notes with anything you heard but forgot to write down at the time.
Sometimes you'll want to review your notes again. If something comes up during one class and
you think, "This sounds familiar" then take that opportunity to look back over your notes and
cross-reference them. This proves invaluable when revision time comes around!
How often should I review my notes?
"Do I have to do all this every week?" No, not every week. But it helps if you review your notes
after every class. Get into the habit of re-reading or re-working your notes, and you'll find it
becomes easier.