Information for note-takers and for those who receive notes
Information for you as the note-taker
You can do a general review – study headings, subheadings, italicised text, images, structures, charts, introduction and conclusions as well as brief summaries. Get an idea of the concepts, principles, and methods involved. This makes it easier to record what is essential in an organised way. At the same time, you will have a better learning experience during the lecture. Please note that you are not doing any extra work, as this is course material that you would need to learn regardless. You learn more effectively by preparing before the lectures.
Form of the notes
---
Date
Course
Note, note, note
Note, note, note margin
Note, note, note
gap
Note, note, note
Note, note, note
Note, note, note
gap
---
In the notes, there should be margin and some space between the columns. Students who wish can then supplement the notes with material from course literature, their own thoughts, or questions. Try to create a clear organisation in your notes by setting out headings, subheadings, and grouping your material. Your preparation for the lectures often provides good guidance.
Keep in mind that teachers sometimes say important things that aren’t noted on the board or included in a PowerPoint. Try to spot these clues in your studies and take notes briefly. Some of the teacher’s experiences as an expert in their field are expressed in the presentations, principles, problem-solving methods, or approaches presented. This cannot always be recorded in writing on the board or in a PowerPoint. Pay attention here, as well.
Remember to also note down terms and concepts that are repeated by the teacher and that are specific to the course. Use colours to clarify context and structure.
After the lecture
After the lecture, email your notes to the student via the designated email address. Try to do this as soon as possible after the lecture. In this way, the student can add to and review the notes themselves, when the lecture is still in relatively recent memory.
Information for those receiving note-taking support
Before the lecture
Review: Review concepts, principles, laws, methods, theories. Write your own notes if possible using a simple structure.
After the lecture
Study the notes and at the same time make your own additions from the memory of the lecture or from the course literature. Try to do this as soon as possible after the lecture. When you do not have the opportunity to take notes yourself during the lecture, an important part of learning is missed. It is important to compensate for this after the teaching session. So: add to the notes so that you feel that you are making your own. Add titles, add information from course materials, edit, or rewrite. You can also organise the material into summarising structures that link keywords and concepts into an organised entity.