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Going to university mostly involves attending lectures and tutorials. Unlike tutorials, lectures are usually quite formal, and they are held in large groups. The lecturer speaks for at least 45 minutes, and the student takes notes. Note taking at lectures is a skill that needs to be developed.  This chapter aims to give you some useful advice on how to make the task easier.

REMEMBER - it is impossible to expect that for a period of 45 minutes you will be able to note down everything that is said in a continuous flow of speech.


    It is worth re-stating the initial advice: it is futile and frustrating to try to write down everything the lecturer says. People speak very quickly on average 100 – 200 words a minute. Remember that spoken language is, by nature, highly repetitious, so if you listen carefully you will be able to condense what is being said.
   
    Establish a comfortable note taking style. These are your own notes. What is important is that you can make sense of them, not anyone else.
   
Use abbreviations and symbols, for example:

> 

Is greater than

< 

Is less than

%

Percent

B/e

Because

+

Plus

E.g.

Example

&

And

C.f.

Compare

∴

Therefore

Develop your own shorthand system e.g. T= theory, Dev = development, Ed = education, confirmion = confirmation, and so on

Notes should be brief, do not write full sentences – remember your notes are personal – make them memorable and interesting

Allow lots of blank space at the top, bottom and side of paper, so you can include explanations or add extra information later. It is also a good idea to leave lines free in between points; lecturers sometimes give additions to earlier points, and these can be added in to the black spaces.

Be organised and develop a consistent pattern to help you make sense of your notes - use headings and sub headings, numbers, roman numerals, large /small, letters capitals/lower case, bullet points, different colour pens etc.

Use diagrams or drawings where possible

Most importantly keep asking yourself questions. Remember it is difficult to concentrate fully for 50 minutes – you need to refocus your concentration regularly by questioning yourself silently e.g. what is the main point here? How does this information relate to what I already know?

Many lecturers will provide handouts and will work through the document during the lecture. Handouts are useful; they free you from taking full notes. Extra information and examples are often provided on the handouts, and you can record all you want in the margins or on extra paper.


If you lose concentration…

Do not panic!
   
Listen for keywords to put you back on track
   
Try not to glance at your neighbours’ notes or ask them questions. This may only be a distraction to them and others.
   
Leave blanks – you can catch up from someone after the lecture.
   

Do not give up at any stage of the lecture. Even at the end, the lecturer may refer back in a way that can help to fill in a blank!

 



How to make the task easier

Develop the habit of performing certain tasks before, during and after lectures


Read through previous lecture notes – so as to be tuned to what will be covered next.
   
Be there – it is very important to attend all lectures. Copying fellow students notes is not the same. Someone else’s notes may not be entirely accurate and key information could be missing.
   
Be in the lecture room early, with pen, paper, folders, highlighters or any other equipment you may need
   
Get a good seat with a clear view of the overhead, computer screen or blackboard.
   
Write the date, lecturer’s name and module title/code at the top of the page.
   
Always begin new lecture notes on separate pages  - it is vital for filing later.


Pay attention to lecture structure. Most lecturers use the following:

1. Introduction
  • This usually includes a summary of what was covered in previous classes and provides an outline of the current lecture and background to the topic, which is going to be introduced.
   
2. Middle
  • In the main body of the lecture, you will normally find an outline of main theorists, evidence or arguments etc.

  • Be selective about what you write during the main body of the lecture, but make sure you note key names, dates, and ideas. Try to think as you listen, this will help you to question and to understand. Record any thoughts or questions that come to mind.
   
3. End
  • This usually entails a review of the main conclusions and this is where the lecturer will summarize the most important points.

  •  Be aware after concentrating for 45 minutes or so that this is where your concentration is likely to ebb.

To get the most from your lectures, you will need to do some follow up work.
   
Review your notes after each lecture
Do it within a week of each lecture.
   
Try to see connections between the last lecture and those from earlier lectures on the course.  
   
Look for concepts that receive regular emphasis.
   

Use colour highlighters to stress the main points.
   
    Write a summary of your notes.
A short paragraph at the end of your notes, condensing the main points will suffice.    
   
Try to do this immediately after the lecture or at the end of the day –it will help you understand and remember the content.
   
Go to the library
Look up the key names and/or references cited by lecturers.
   
Remember additional reading is expected for most modules.
   
    File your notes/handouts neatly and where you can easily find them. You are not finished with them yet! 
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