Your memory is not always reliable and may let you down.
Your notes provide a summary to study from.
Making notes helps you put the main ideas into your own words, which makes it easier to remember them.
Taking notes in class
Sit at the front of the class to reduce distractions.
Use a different notebook for each subject.
Use short sentences, phrases and abbreviations/symbols.
A few examples are:
cf (compare)
ie (that is)
eg (for example)
w/ (with)
w/o (without)
&, + (and)
= (equals, is)
Write clearly, leaving a blank space in the margin in case you need to add information later.
Use headings and sub-headings.
List items 1,2,3, etc.
Use phrases or words instead of sentences.
Don't try to write down each and every word. Instead, go for the main ideas.
Listen and watch for signals from the teacher that will help you catch the main ideas, such as:
Repeating a point over and over
Speaking loudly to emphasise
Writing on the board
Saying things like: "The three important reasons for this are..."
Go over your notes as soon as possible after class. If you don't understand something, just ask your teacher at the next class.

By Richa Pant, Staff Writer

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