Most activities benefit from advance preparation, and note taking is no exception.
By applying certain pre-class preparation strategies, you maximize your ability to absorb and record information in class, as well as to reinforce and study the information after class. The following suggestions are offered to help you develop effective pre-class strategies. Before class, read or skim any material that corresponds to the lecture. The best way to prepare for note taking is to read the text assignment before class. Much of the material presented in college lectures will be new to you.