10 TIPS FOR TEENS for Smart Classroom Notes

  1. Be Ready
    • Before class, review your assigned reading and previous notes you've taken. This will help you understand new material more easily.

    • Bring plenty of 8 1/2" x 11" binder paper and a sharpened pencil, an erasable pen or pen that won't skip or smudge. If you're a lefty, try a gel ink or rolling ball pen with an Extra Fine or Fine point to avoid smears.

    • Write the class name, date and that day's topic at the top of a blank piece of binder paper. If the lecture is related to a chapter in the textbook or a handout, write that down at the top as well.

  2. Write Legibly
    • If you cross out material a lot, switch to an erasable pen. You can erase incorrect material, write down the correct information, and make your notes much easier to read.

    • If your cursive writing is poor, print instead.

    • Don't take notes in paragraph form. It's hard to find information when you're studying for a test. Take notes in one-liners instead, and skip a line between ideas.

  3. Listen for Cues
    • Don't try to write everything down. Listen for cues from your teacher about what is important. When you hear "the reason why..." " Here is how..." or a change in tone of voice, that indicates something noteworthy is about to be said.

    • Write down dates, names, definitions and formulas, and why they are important.

    • Write down the gist of any examples or stories your teacher gives when explaining a point or concept. These will help you remember the material.

  4. Check the Board
    • When your teacher writes something on the board or projects it, that's a signal that the information is important. Copy everything down, and note that it was on the board.

  5. Use Abbreviations
    • Just like in text messaging, abbreviations let you write more quickly. To abbreviate, condense a word or phrase into initials, or use a symbol. For instance, use RxJ for Romeo and Juliet; b/c for because; w/ for with; w/o for without; 2 for two, to or too; and govt for government.

    • Use the same abbreviations for the same words and phrases so you'll immediately know what they stand for.

  6. Use Margins
    • Leave a wide margin on one side of your paper. This gives you space to write your own thoughts and call attention to key material.
    • In the margin, draw arrows or stars beside important information like dates, names and events.

    • When you miss getting a date, name, number or other fact, make a mark in the margin so you'll remember to come back to it.

  7. Fill in Gaps
    • Check with a classmate or your teacher after class to get any missing names, dates, facts or other information you couldn't write down.

  8. Mark Questionable Material

    • Jot down a "?" in the margin beside something you disagree with or do not think you recorded correctly. When appropriate, ask your teacher (or refer to your textbook) for clarification.

  9. Keep Organized
    • Keep notes for the same class together, along with any handouts.

  10. Review and Highlight
    • Go over your notes after class or after school while the lecture is still fresh in your mind. Complete any partially recorded notes.

    • If you have trouble reading your own handwriting, decipher your notes as quickly as possible. Rewrite any unintelligible sections, or type or keyboard them.

    • Add information that will help you comprehend the material.

    • Use a highlighter or different color of ink to highlight, underline or circle important words and phrases.

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    This page was constructed by Helen Popravak 2002
    If you have any question please email me.