How To Spice Up Your Lecture Notes For Better Grades

When taking notes on a lecture, there are two extremes that present themselves -- to take exceedingly full notes, or to take almost no notes. One can err in either direction. At first, a full blow-by-blow transcript of the lecture might seem best. However, you'll find that this isn't necessary. In fact, you might see that this style of note-taking might end up hampering your efforts. Many lecturers will highlight your assigned reading the night before. This isn't worth writing down twice, as you should have taken notes on your reading yourself. If you occupy your attention with the task of copying the lecture verbatim, you do not have time to think, but become merely an automatic recording machine. This is good news for those of you that transcribe your class time! Experienced stenographers say that they form the habit of recording so automatically that they fail utterly to comprehend the meaning of what is said. You as a student cannot afford to have your attention so distracted from the meaning of the lecture. Therefore, you should REDUCE your classroom writing to a minimum. Probably the chief reason why students are so eager to secure full lecture notes is that they fear to trust their memory. Such fears should be put at rest, for your mind will retain facts if you pay close attention and make logical associations during the time of impression. Keep your mind free, then, to work upon the subject-matter of the lecture. Debate mentally with the speaker. This is called Active Listening. Question your professor's statements, comparing them with your own experience or with the results of your study. Ask yourself frequently,