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Student Academic Success Center  ›  Handouts & Other Resources  ›  I'm a CMU student and I need advice  ›  Identify a Problem  ›  I have trouble taking effective lecture notes.

I have trouble taking effective lecture notes.

Good lecture notes can be an incredible asset when studying for exams or completing homework assignments. The key, however, is knowing how to take good lecture notes. You don’t want to copy down each of the Professor’s PowerPoint slides word for word, but you also don’t want to miss any important information. We advise breaking the process down into 3 stages: before, during, and after lecture.

STEP 2: SELECT THE REASON that best describes your situation, keeping in mind there may be multiple relevant reasons.

The process of taking good lecture notes begins even before you attend lecture. The more you put in before lecture, the easier it is to take notes and remember material after lecture. Click the link below to read more about how we advise preparing for the day’s topic.

STEP 3: Explore potential STRATEGIES to address the problem.

First, check the syllabus or class calendar for the day’s topics and/or concepts to get a sense of what the lecture is going to be about. Once you’ve identified the topic, try to think about how that topic relates to the course as a whole, expanding your existing semantic network.

Then, read the assigned material before the lecture takes place, which will increase the amount of information you will understand and retain during lecture. If you are unable to read the assignments, at least perform a thorough preview of the chapter; this will allow you to familiarize yourself with the major concepts, terms, definitions, and organization of ideas.

And finally, briefly review your notes from the previous lecture. By doing so, you will recognize the continuity of ideas between lectures and anticipate how the next lecture will fit into the scheme of the class. This will also help you identify unclear or confusing concepts that you do not understand, enabling you to ask questions during the next lecture or office hours. And, reviewing your notes will help you recognize the lecturer’s general style and pattern for organizing and presenting his/her thoughts.

For more tips on what to do before lecture, view our “Fast Fact” on Lecture Note Taking [pdf]

Now that you’ve prepared for lecture, how do you best take notes during lecture? Each Professor has a different lecture style – some may write notes on a chalkboard, some may use PowerPoint slides, while others may just speak. Regardless of the lecture style, there are some strategies you can use to make the most of your notes. Keep reading to learn more.

STEP 3: Explore potential STRATEGIES to address the problem.

If possible, sit in the front of the room or in an area that is removed from windows or doorways, minimizing outside distractions. Also, try to reduce physical discomforts; for example, if you know the room is usually cold, bring a sweater or sweatshirt.

When listening to the lecture, keep eye contact with the speaker and pretend like he/she is speaking directly to you. Listen to verbal directional and categorical cues; if you’ve previewed the material beforehand, you should be able to easily pick up on key words. Additionally, especially if you’re a visual learner, pay attention to visual cues – sometimes a picture really is worth a thousand words! You can also identify the importance of the information by listening to the lecturer’s rate and intonation; when the Professor speaks slower and louder, it is likely that he/she is emphasizing key concepts.

Try to record notes in your own words, which will help to confirm your understanding of the material. Use abbreviations and symbols when possible to decrease the amount of writing necessary, and use an indentation system to visually record levels of importance and relationships. And finally, try drawing visualizations and illustrations where applicable – images can sometimes be quicker than writing and easier to remember.

For more tips on what to do during lecture, view our “Fast Fact” on Lecture Note Taking [pdf]

Now that the lecture is over, you may be tempted to put away your notes until you have to study for the next exam. We advise, however, taking some measures after lecture to ensure your understanding of the material – which will only make it easier to study when the time comes.

STEP 3: Explore potential STRATEGIES to address the problem.

First, skim your notes within 24 hours of the lecture and identify the major components of the day’s material. Next, read through your notes to be certain that you understand the content; attempt to explain the information in your own words. When you analyze the material, indicate in the margins of your notes the category of each piece of information. Establish relationships between sections, which will give new insights and improve your retention of the information.

Mark any material that you do not understand so that you can ask questions and clarify concepts before the next exam, eliminating the necessity to relearn at a later time. When you have finished analyzing your notes, make sure to review them periodically, embedding the material in your memory.

For more tips on what to do after lecture, view our “Fast Fact” on Lecture Note Taking [pdf]