Note taking in lectures

Note taking in lectures is an effective tool for learning and comprehension because it helps in organising and processing information. Lecture notes provide an opportunity to review the material presented in the lecture, which in turn helps in retention and synthesis. Note taking is also important because lectures are the teacher’s synthesis of the topic and this information may not be available elsewhere. Teachers also present what they think is important.

It is sometimes argued that note taking in lectures reduces the assimilation of ideas by students as they divert their attention to writing what is being said, rather than to understanding. Properly developed note taking skills may help the student in maintaining concentration in the class. Perhaps it is worthwhile for teachers to think about the importance of note taking as a tool for learning by the students and exploit its potential in preparing and delivering lectures.

What guidance do you give your students for effective note taking? Do you structure your lectures to facilitate effective note taking?