Introduction

'Do you find it challenging to stay focused in class?'

'Do you have difficulty reading or making sense of your notes after you have written them?'

'Do you have difficulty listening to the lecturer while taking lecture notes?'

'Do you find yourself daydreaming or ‘blanking out’ during lectures?'

'Have you ever left at the end of a lecture and couldn’t remember what the lecture was actually about? '

Good listening and note-taking skills are the keys to successful studying in subjects which are mostly facilitated through the lecture format. Listening actively in lectures and writing clear and organised notes can lead to fewer headaches during study periods, assignment completion, course reading comprehension and exam preparation. You will also improve the quality of your learning during lectures which will save you time later when trying to create meaning. If you are new to note-taking, be patient: this is a skill that you will develop and perfect over time. Active listening and note-taking skills will be useful to you throughout your life e.g. taking notes of meetings in the workplace.