One of the keys to being a good student is to take great notes.
But it’s difficult to take notes when you’re instructor talks too fast.
So here are some tips to help you:
Exchange notes with classmates.
One way to get all the notes you missed is to simply exchange your notes with several friends in class. You see, everyone in class will take different notes – and they will focus their attention on different aspects of the lecture. Exchanging notes with classmates helps you get everything you missed.
Use an MP3 or tape recorder.
Recording a lecture can help you catch anything you missed. And it provides you another opportunity to pay close attention to everything your professor discussed. The problem of using a recorder is that it takes time to listen to a lecture, so if you don’t have much time – it’s probably not the best solution. However, if you have time to listen to a lecture (like while driving) then this might be a good option for you.
Learn shorthand techniques.
If you don’t know any shorthand techniques, now is the time to learn them. Find a website that provides shorthand techniques for note taking. This can really help you jot down more notes quickly.
Ask questions.
A great way to slow down your instructor is to ask questions. This can help you get clarification on a particular idea you don’t understand – and also a chance to write more detailed notes.
Visit the instructor after class.
Take an opportunity to talk with your instructor during office hours. This is a way to meet him or her – and to get answers to any questions you have. You can also mention that he or she lectures very fast, and that you would like if it could be slowed down a bit. This feedback can be very helpful to the instructor.
Leave empty spaces in your notes.
Whenever you missed some important details in the lecture, leave a gap in your notes. This is a sign to you that you missed something that you’ll want to get info for after class.
