3 Easy Steps to Write Great Class Notes

I was reading a great blog the other day by Michael Callicut on 3 steps to writing good class notes. These tips become very beneficial in college when the professor is lecturing and doesn't stop to let you catch up. Knowing these useful tips will help you write better, simpler notes.

1. Write in red ink
Red ink imprints what you are writing down into your brain more easily than black or blue ink. This is because red is the color that our eyes most see and remember naturally. Writing in red ink will save your brain a lot of effort in remembering what you took notes on. This is why teachers mark papers in red ink, so you see it and remember it!

2. Know what to take notes on, and what not to take notes on
Differentiating between what is important and what isn't important is one of the hardest things to do while note taking.

Things that are important:
- formulas
- dates
- names
- theories
- new information
- questions
- definitions
- anything bolded or underlined on PowerPoint

Things you shouldn't do:
- don't write down things you already know
- don't try to copy what is on the PowerPoint or what your teacher is saying word for word

3. Take notes in a structured method
Don't just write everything down wherever on your notebook when taking notes. You can divide your paper into thirds, use bullet points or roman numerals, etc. Take time before class to structure out your notebook so you don't have to do it during class. This strategy will keep your notebook looking neat and it will make it easier to go back and look for old notes.

If you follow these three simple tips when writing notes in class, you will have an easier time remembering information and it will make it less stressful when studying for a big exam. Happy Note-taking!