Smart Note Taking for College Lectures: How-to Guide



When attending college, effective note-taking is key for obtaining high grades. Of course, this is much easier said than done, especially while attempting to take notes in a class that you do not find very interesting. However, regardless of the subjects that you are taking, your instructors’ lectures contain valuable information that may or may not appear on your next test.

In order to ensure that you understand the material and are prepared for upcoming assignments and exams, it is essential that you take effective notes that adequately document the information in an organized and easy-to-access way. For these reasons, read on for a list of the best tips for how to take notes in college.

Know What to Expect Before Attending Class

Taking notes in college becomes much easier when you already have an idea of the information in the lecture. Most instructors post a detailed syllabus at the beginning of the semester that outlines the content they will discuss during each class, and you can use this schedule to improve your college note-taking techniques. Simply skim through the chapter in your textbook that your instructor is planning to elaborate on in class, and voila: you’re much better prepared to quickly jot down the information when it is finally presented in the lecture.

Your Mindset Matters

When sitting through a two-and-a-half-hour lecture, you may find yourself nodding off and daydreaming about everything except the material being discussed. Therefore, in the moments before the lecture begins, you must make the conscious decision to remain focused and continue taking notes for the entirety of the lecture. Over time, the process becomes easier.

Find a Note-Taking Method That Suits You

Before you begin taking notes during your upcoming college lecture, make sure that you understand how to take notes in the first place. Luckily, there are several standardized formats for taking notes that are simple to understand and utilize.

The Outline Method: This method of taking notes is rooted in simplicity, as it involves starting with the most fundamental points, which you will elaborate on using sub-points as your professor continues covering the information.

The Cornell Method: When using this method, students actually decrease the amount of time required to memorize the information while studying. Consisting of a notes section and a summary section, students can jot down all notes without worrying about the proper organization. Then, they can reorganize their notes in an easy-to-understand summary at the bottom of the notes section after class.

What you must keep in mind is that, regardless of which method you use to take notes, the only thing that matters is that you’re adequately documenting the information in a way that is accessible later when it is time to study. Choose one of these methods or a hybrid of both. Just find what works best for you.

Incorporate Intelligent Note Apps

As taking notes by hand can be time-consuming, consider incorporating intelligent note-taking apps such as Lightmap to maximize the speed at which you document information from lectures. In addition to an increased note-taking rate, computer note apps also allow users to optimize their notes in a variety of other ways as well, such as adding more information to a topic later and creating your knowledge database of information.

Take Better Notes With Lightmap

We know that these note-taking tips will improve your ability to take notes during your college lectures. With Lightmap, users have access to powerful note-taking software that makes the process of taking notes effortless. Take brilliant notes, collaborate with others, and share your work to Lightmap Cloud for others to access, all in one incredible app.

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