Note-Taking Strategies
Lesson 2 of 9 in Academic English for College & University · 25 minutes
Learn effective note-taking strategies for Canadian college and university lectures. Master the Cornell method, abbreviations, and how to capture key information during lectures.
What you'll learn
- Apply the Cornell note-taking method to lectures
- Use common abbreviations and symbols for faster notes
- Identify key information worth recording during a lecture
From the lesson
How to Take Notes in a Canadian Classroom
Good note-taking is one of the most important academic skills. In Canadian colleges and universities, professors speak quickly, use specialized vocabulary, and expect you to capture the key ideas on your own. Here's how to do it effectively.
The Cornell Method: Divide your page into three sections: 1. Right column (largest): Write your lecture notes here during class. Use short phrases, not full sentences. 2. Left column (narrow): After class, write key questions or cue words that summarize each section. 3. Bottom section: Write a 2-3 sentence summary of the entire lecture.
Common Abbreviations: - w/ = with, w/o = without - b/c = because, b/t = between…