Tips for Taking Textbook Notes
Think
about the Reading:
consider how the parts relate to the whole; how the text relates to previous ideas
create questions about new words/terms and/or why emphasized points are important
examine what you have learned from visuals in the text
look for the patterns in elements like chapter/subsection headings, summary points, graphics
Textbook Note Taking:
include headings, key terms and graphics
take down only the important ideas ... be brief, but clear
summarize all information in your own words
use symbols to highlight important for review
use textbook review questions to develop study questions
Reviewing Textbook Notes:
highlight main ideas
fill in details for better understanding
identify unclear information and/or questions
delete unnecessary information
review note organization; add symbols or rewrite
write a summary
Studying with Textbook Notes:
cover the right side of your notes and review and answer study questions from the left using
the right side as an answer key
quiz yourself out loud
cover the right side with blank paper ... write out answers to the left column study questions
write summaries of the most important material in the summary/reflection section
write a quiz for others using notes; exchange and correct
write anticipated test questions beyond those already in the left-hand column and write
answers
look over notes frequently to keep information and questions still unanswered fresh in mind
recite information from notes
use notes in study groups to provide a common ground of material for reference and review
rewrite notes if necessary