Reading & Note-Taking

Reading in an academic setting, such as in university, is much different from reading for pleasure. Whether textbooks, lecture slides, or supplemental readings, undergraduate courses include a great deal of reading – reading that is much greater than students were accustomed to in their previous studies. What are some ways that students can study smarter, versus studying harder?

Each student may find their own tips and tricks that they can apply to accomplish their course readings more effectively. It may also take a bit of trial and error to discover which reading strategies work best for you.

Similar to reading, you may discover you have preferred methods for taking notes ‒ before the lecture, during the lecture ‒  and when you review course content or study for tests and exams.

Students are encouraged to take hand-written notes during their lectures. This can help you to be more deliberate with the notes you take, as well as help you focus your attention when you do not have the distractions/temptations that can compete for your attention when you use a laptop or other “smart” device.

Students who use their laptop to take notes during lectures may find that they are in fact transcribing what their professor is saying (word for word!), but this may not help them truly make sense of the material, which may require more of their time in review.