If you’re a teen that has trouble taking notes, you’re not alone. A lot of adults find it difficult to take notes, too. It’s a talent that has to be developed over time, and you can modify it to suit your needs. Sometimes teachers just talk too fast, and at times, you’ll find that their points are well organized, as they should be for a lecture. Take stock in the fact that you can take notes, and all of them that you need to have, by following a few key point tips below. Read on to learn how you can make a mark on note taking.

Different methods of note taking will work for different people. Some find that the Cornell way to take notes is ideal. All you have to do is to divide your paper up with a smaller margin on the left. Be sure, though, to leave enough room for topics in that area, and write their primary information in the larger space in the middle. Another type of note taking is the process called the map method. With this method you can keep track of the lectures, by recording the key point at the top, and then just writing the subtopics underneath the main heading point. Charting is good ways to note take while listening to your instructor, too. With a chart way to take notes, you’ll need to know the main points that will be discussed, but it’s easy to set up on paper. Under the main points, just add the sub points, and how their interrelated to the topic under each category.

There are other ways to take notes, but you’ll need to experiment with what works for you. However, it’s not so much how you take notes that determines your success, its how you listen to what the instructor says. For example, fluctuations in voice, or a strong or rising voice, will tell you that they’re about to make an important point. On the other hand, be on the lookout for one that will drop their voice to make a point, sometimes it’s done to get your attention and it does work. Instructors will give key words too when lecturing. If particular points need to be made they will use words like first, second, thirdly etc. The key points of change or affects will be said with the word developments in a sentence such as, the major development of, and will be followed with other important facts.

If you’re having problems with knowing when your instructor will change topics, you can find out the key words they use, and they’re plenty. Words phrases such as, for example in contrast to, are important to listen too because you’ll likely find it on a test, or it could clarify very important information that you might not understand. Also, just like in writing an English paper or a scientific one, you have to wind up and synopsize it at the end. Words like “finally”, “remember”, or “in conclusion”, will tell you when it’s ending, and will summarize the exact main key point that the lecture falls around.  By listening closely, you’ll know then how to study for your next test.

By combining a clear note taking method, and modifying it to fit your needs, you’ll be prepared for any test that comes along. Again, certain subject matter lends itself for more friendly type of note methods, but you’ll be able to learn what’s best for you by experimentation. Knowing your key word points of introduction and summarization, along with a lot of studying, you’ll ace the test in high school most of the time. Always ask questions if you don’t understand a statement, and get with others to look over their notes to see if you’ve missed anything of importance too. It’s always better to have more input and information from others that are just as prepared as you are.

Note taking isn’t a talent, it’s a skill that has to be developed and worked at with interest. Take great notes, so you’ll have some great grades and a lot less stress over homework and tests. It’s just a matter of time before you get the hang of all the aspects of note taking.

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