Notetaking provides several benefits beyond that record of what was presented in a lecture or class activity. Effective notetaking:
- Keeps you alert. Notetaking keeps your body active and involved and helps you avoid feelings of drowsiness or distraction.
- Engages your mind. Listening carefully and deciding what to include in notes keeps your mind actively involved with what you hear.
- Emphasizes and organizes information. As you take notes, you’ll decide on and highlight the key ideas you hear, identifying the structure of a class presentation. You’ll also be able to indicate the supporting points of a presentation, making study and understanding easier after class. Such organized notes also make it easier for you to link classroom learning to textbook readings.
- Creates a condensed record for study. A set of concise, well-organized notes from each class session gives you what you need for study, learning, and review after class.