Note Taking Skills

• Always write the

title and date on
all of your notes.

• You should divide

your notes into
main ideas and
supporting
details.

• Highlight,
underline or
place a star
by/next to
important
information.

• Write down
information that
the teacher
writes on the
board or
transparency.
• Use
abbreviations or
develop your own
system of
shorthand.
• Use key words
and phrases.
• Leave blank
spaces between
main ideas and
supporting
details.

• Mark ideas that

are unclear

• Write down “direct

announcements”-
the teacher often
will announce
important
information.

• Watch for
nonverbal clues.

• Write down lists or

numbered items.
• A change in voice
or speed of speech
may be an
indication that the
information is
important.