Lecture notes

Taking great notes is becoming a lost art. Here's how to get the most out of a lecture, and have amazing notes to show for it.

First,before the lecture begin,prepare for the lecture so that you will be more likely to predict the organization of the lecture. Check the course outline to see if the lecturer has listed the topic or key ideas in the upcoming lecture. If so, convert this information into questions to be answered in Sit as near to the front of the room as possible to eliminate distractions. And don't forget to turn off your cell-phone.
Have a proper attitude. Listening well is a matter of paying close attention. Be prepared to be open-minded about what the lecturer may be saying, even though you may disagree with it.

Then,during the lecturecopy what's written on the whiteboard and transparencies, especially the outline. To make sure that you get everything, get in the habit of skipping words like "the" and "a" and make use of shorthand and abbreviations. Summarize your notes in your own words, not the instructor's. Remember: your goal is to understand what the professor is saying, not to try to record exactly everything he or she says.
Recognize main ideas by signal words that indicate something important is to follow. See the tip on signals below.
Jot down details or examples that support the main ideas. Take down examples and sketches which the lecturer presents. Indicate examples with "e.g." Give special attention to details not covered in the textbook.
If there is a summary at the end of the lecture, pay close attention to it. You can use it to check the organization of your notes. If your notes seem disorganized, copy down the main points that are covered in the summary. It will help in revising your notes later.
At the end of the lecture, ask questions about points that you did not understand.

Finally,after the lecture,revise your notes as quickly as possible, preferably immediately after the lecture, since at that time you will still remember a good deal of the lecture. Also it is a good idea to reread your notes within 24 hours of the lecture.
During the first review period after the lecture, coordinate reading and lecture notes.
Review your lecture notes at least once a week. Also, review the lecture notes before the next lecture...(",)