Be positive; you are not there to be entertained but to learn.
Have a system; be organized.
Follow the lecturer鈥檚 pattern.
Use a note column and recall column.
Use symbols; make sure you will know what they mean later.
Sit near the front of the class. Keep your eyes on the instructor.
Helps concentration.
Eliminates some visual and auditory distractions.
Listen before writing.
Listen, understand, evaluate, organize, and then write. Listen long enough to be sure you understand, then write.
Listen for signal words 鈥渇irst鈥, most important鈥, finally鈥︹
Leave spaces if you miss something; fill in later. Be selective, brief, and concise; omit anecdotes, long examples.
Associate your past experiences and knowledge with what the instructor is saying.
PowerPoint lectures:
Even though your attention is concentrated on the material on the screen in a power point presentation, it is extremely important to listen to and record the instructor鈥檚 comments on the material.
PowerPoint lectures are sometimes available online before the lecture. If so, it is very helpful to read over the presentation before class and to take notes on the instructor鈥檚 comments during class.
