In today's world of modern technology (digital audio recorders, laptops, and the World Wide Web) note taking is a lost art in the world of academia. There are a number of great reasons to take notes in class. Note taking by hand begins the process of information imprinting on the brain which is crucial in the learning process. It is only through lecture that student learns what an instructor find important. This is intimately linked to what the homework assignments, quizzes, and exams will cover. Additionally having an organized and permanent record of the information presented in class will help cement the core material for the course. Instructor will often teach material not found anywhere else but in his or her lecture. That is why it is extremely important to be an efficient and aggressive note taker.

Note taking can be broken down into three parts: pre-lecture, lecture, and post lecture. Before the lecture begins make sure you have done the assigned text book reading, and review the previous lecture's notes. Another great tip is to do a quick web search for the general topics that will be explained in the lecture. If the lecture is titled "Consumer Supply and Demand" then search for those keywords and review the first three sites that are returned. Make a short list of the larger concepts presented in your pre-reading.

Having notes while taking notes will keep you focused on the task at hand. Lecture notes include several things. Make sure you write down what ever is written on the white board, transparencies, and power point presentations. Do not write down the lecture word for word. It is important to summarize the bulk of the lecture in your own words. Instructors will often use words which signal extremely important and useful information. Stay alert for the following signal words "There are three reasons why", "First...Second... Third....", "And most important,....", and "A major development".

As soon after the lecture as possible review your notes and rewrite. The next time you review your notes for the chapter incorporate text references and additional research to fully flesh out the topics discussed. Lecture notes should be actively reviewed at least once a week for each class.

Place notes for each course in one place. Have a separate notebook for each class. Keep the original and revised copies of lecture notes for reference. Notes should be written only on one side of the page. This makes the notes easier to take and easier to review. It is important to place the name, date, course name, and page number of note group for each lecture on the paper. Keep distractions to a minimum in class by sitting in the front of the room and avoid doodling. If you have bad handwriting then print. Making sure you can read your notes a couple days after they are taken is important in the learning process. To make the process of note taking quicker use abbreviations and box important information like dates or names of books. Do not over look drawings or examples the instructor gives in class. Taking great notes is the first step to having a great educational experience!