Efficient note taking is one of the most important study skills students need to succeed in school. These studying tips will help your middle school student get more out of lectures and class handouts.
- If it's on the board, write it down. If teachers emphasize a point by writing on the board or using a projector, it's important enough to go into your notebook.
- If it's on a handout, take notes in the margins. Don't rewrite information that's already in a handout. Instead, add notes to yourself and clarifications the teacher offers.
- Write down definitions and examples. Pay special attention to definitions and examples that illustrate and explain new concepts.
- Don't try to write down everything the teacher says. You'll never keep up. Aim for notes that paraphrase the main concepts. Write words the teacher emphasizes, key questions, and important points.
- Make up symbols and abbreviations to use in your notes. This can be fun, plus you'll save time when you use your own shorthand system for taking notes. These note-taking tips from the University of Central Missouri can help you get off to a good start.
- Pay extra attention at the beginning and at the end of class. Teachers usually introduce the lesson at the start of the class. If you keep the agenda in mind as the class continues, you'll follow the lesson more easily. Teachers often review important concepts at the end of class. During this review, be sure you've got the important concepts in your notes.
- Review your notes. Students who review their notes the same day they take them—even for just five minutes—remember more than students who don't look at their class notes until they're studying for a test.
- Keep track of dates. Put the date on every page. If your binder pops open and your notes spill out, the dates will help you get the pages back in order. Dates can also help you remember what you learned when.