Whether you’re attending class online or in person, before your class starts spend time reviewing previous notes in preparation for the upcoming lecture. Arrive 5 minutes before class and turn off your devices not currently in use. Read more for tips on how to take the best notes from your virtual lecture.
- Listen carefully
- Make it legible
- Notice if a point is highlighted
- Highlight what you know
- Prioritize how you take notes
- Reflect after the session
- Take notes in multiple ways
Book an appointment with an academic coach at the Centre for Academic Communication.
Once the lecture begins
Listen carefully
Look out for areas in the lecture that your instructor provides visual cues e.g. charts, pictures, diagrams explaining concepts or terms. This also includes writings on the white board.
Make it legible
Try taking notes using your best handwriting or perhaps typing notes in your own words.
Notice if a point is highlighted
If something is important, it is likely that your course instructor will speak about it more than once or spend time on one point, and you should take notes.
Highlight what you know
If you hear something you already have learned and know well, you don’t need to write notes on it.
Prioritize how you take notes
Don’t feel pressured to take notes from slides, especially if they will be made available later.
Reflect after the session
Leave ample space to make notes after class, as you review the lecture, you may recall more points from class.
Take notes in multiple ways
Here you can learn about outline, Cornell, concept mapping, and charting notes!
To learn more about this topic and to get help
Book a free in-person or online appointment with a Centre for Academic Communication academic coach!