Taking effective notes is an essential skill for success in the classroom and your future career. Imagine being trained to perform a new task at work. How would you make sure that you are prepared to complete the task when you first have to perform it on your own? How would you feel if you have to return to your trainer or supervisor and ask how to perform the task again?

You can avoid this dilemma by always being prepared to take good notes. Just as individuals have different learning styles, people find they have different preferences for note-taking. There are some proven methods that can help you, but ultimately you will have to decide what method works for you. It's best to try a few different methods before you decide which to use.

Taking notes is only half of the equation. You will absorb a certain amount of material simply by writing it down, but you will likely forget much of it if you don't review your notes later. Your first review of your notes should happen as soon after a lecture or meeting as possible. Since it is impossible for you to write down everything that's said-and not effective to do so-you will want to look over your notes to make sure they are clear and that you haven't left out any key points.

Read about note-taking your text.

Review several methods of organizing notes

Select two methods of organization from your text or web resources.

Use a different method to take notes from each of the short videos below:

How to Get the Most out of Studying

Reading Method

Post a discussion addressing the questions below. Respond to at least two of your classmates' posts as well as to their comments and questions on your post.

Name two basic tips for taking good notes.
How were the two methods you used different?
Did one seem more effective to you?
Why do you think one worked better than the other?
Will you use one of these strategies in your note-taking in the future?