The following are note-taking tips, which can prove very valuable regardless of whether you are taking an HR course, attending a workshop, or undertaking your own self-learning initiative.
- Prepare for class: Read materials in advance and review notes from preceding lectures or chapters. Familiarize yourself with key concepts and vocabulary. Develop a framework for taking notes (e.g. subject headings in the course textbook).
- Make the most of class: Make sure you can see and hear the facilitator, and have a good line of sight to visual displays (e.g. blackboard, overheads, video screens, etc.) Listen actively.
- Determine what is important: Listen and look for cues and key words that help identify relevant and important information.
- Make excellent notes: Title each page with subject title and date. Use subject headings and subheadings to organize notes. Record relevant information and main points of emphasis. Use lots of white space, highlighting pens, models, etc.
- Edit notes soon after class: Edit notes as soon as possible after class, preferably the same day. Summarize, re-organize, expand upon, and clarify your notes for future ease of reference. Remember that these notes are not only critical in helping you prepare for tests at the end of the course, they will also be your primary source of reference when studying for the exams.
- Review notes often: Repetition is a key adult learning technique. The more times you review material, the greater the likelihood of recall when needed in the future. Make frequent reviews of your notes part of your daily study routine.