Do you take down notes during class discussion?
By Curlann
@annierose (18926)
Philippines
November 14, 2008 2:49pm CST
When I was in elementary I used to listen to my teacher when he is discussing but not writing anything on my notebook. Then, whenever I will ask my sister to help me in my assignment, she always ask me our lesson for that day and some examples given by the teacher. When she found out that I am not taking down notes, she said I must do because it will serve as my references and it will help me a lot in my studies.
From that, I realized that she is right. I started to take down notes. I am forgetful person and taking down notes while class discussion helps me to remember what we studied during the day.But I noticed some of our professor doesn't want us writing on our notebook while he is discussing. He told us that it is important to listen attentively to what he is saying, but I am not following him. For me I can listen also while writing his lectures and examples.
5 people like this
35 responses
@pooh08 (671)
• Vietnam
15 Nov 08
When I studied at university, in the discussion hours, I used to write the note when I thought it maybe helpful for my knowledge after. You shouldn't write all the idea the teacher talk, you should write the main idea and the example to explain the problem which we are learning now.
1 person likes this
@kevin90az (143)
• United States
8 Dec 08
yeah that is what I generally do in math classes and english. The problem with things like history is that you never know what the teachers are going to test you on. I think teachers should hand notes out and only make you listen to the fine details and not take notes.
@icegermany (2524)
• India
14 Nov 08
when i was a student we use to take down the notes during our classes and it was very helpfull i feel, but listening to the lecture and also taking down notes both at once is a bit difficult.
you really reminded me about my college days and it was such memorable that i cant forget in my life and i feel it was a very good time.
@annierose (18926)
• Philippines
22 Nov 08
Doing two things at same time is quite difficult.However I get use to it because sometimes our teacher just erase the lectures on the board without telling us to copy it first.
@anneshirley (1516)
• Philippines
22 Nov 08
I do take down notes but not everything my teacher will say. I will just take some equations or formula and some examples also. I don't have to worry of not understanding my professor since I am very good in multi - tasking. Even now, when I am attending seminars, I make it a point to have some notes which will help me refresh later on.
@karamellized (680)
• Philippines
24 Nov 08
I remember I just usually take down notes and usually would imagine which part of the book that he or she is discussing since I read in advance. 
@leomyoma (47)
• India
19 Nov 08
its my usual habit to take down notes during my classes.i am very regular in it as they are very helpful for my daily preparations for the forthcoming exams.the courses are very vast and u can't cover all the reference books.u too can't decide what not to read.so u hav to fpllow ur teachers note to hav the best extract of any subject.
@thecrazyjogger (3178)
• India
21 Nov 08
yeah well most of the notes I take aere one word lines.
and htey re in point form
@pryce_mbg (716)
• Philippines
16 Nov 08
not so..i mean, i prefer to listen to my instructor whenever he discusses something. i just write down important facts and some additional informations.
@aisaellis22 (6445)
• United States
17 Nov 08
hey annierose,
Yep, I do take down notes during discussion. I don't think I will remember all my teacher would teach me if I will just listen to her.
@agrant10 (1476)
• United States
15 Nov 08
When I was in school I took notes. I would read over them everynight before I went to bed and when I took a quiz or a test I would always pass with flying colors. For those professors who does not like you to write while they are discussioning, maybe you could take a pocket size tape recorder and tape the discussion. Though this did not work for me because I found myself trying to write the notes down from the tape.
@mayhem23 (185)
• Canada
15 Nov 08
Most of the time, I do take notes during class discussions. However, the notes I take are not detailed. I usually take points on the main content of the discussion. My classes usually have online material so I can always use that as a reference. My notes help me to understand the examples and concepts clearly.
@Ajaykhande (94)
• India
16 Nov 08
i always take down notes during class discussion because its help me lot during revision time .its save my time in exam time .
@alyssa_c (440)
• Philippines
19 Nov 08
I'm forgetful as you as well so I find that taking down notes are a big help. Unfortunately though, it makes me miss on some points that the instructor is saying as I am still concentrating, writing the things he previously said. Later on, in college, where every instructors looks like they're trying to become the world's fastest talker, I've adjusted my note-taking to jotting down only the very important words or phrases that he says. The words/phrases would then serve as my keywords into remembering the intire topic and the day is saved! =)
@sweetpeasmom (1325)
• United States
15 Nov 08
I have not been too school in about 20 years , but when i was in school, i had to take notes. if i did not i would loose everything the teacher talked about. I am more visual and just listening would not help me , i had to write the stuff down so i could remember it.
@jamesme135 (404)
• Malaysia
15 Nov 08
I always take down notes during class discussion, especially when there are no handouts. I tend to forget easily and if I don't take down some notes, I can't remember them. Besides, some lecturers explain more detail and help you to understand better. That's why it's important to take down important keywords.
@mikeysmom (2088)
• United States
15 Nov 08
i have found that taking notes is the best way to learn and retain information. whenever i have been taught how to do soemthing i take notes because i find that i only retain a portion of what is being taught and the part i do not retain i can learn and relearn later when i refer back to my notes. i am a big note taker. i have one of those minds that if it sees something it will remember it if it is written down but if you tell me something chances are i may or may not so it is always best for me to write it down even if i am the only one who can understand my notes.
@manixxx (116)
• Japan
15 Nov 08
i cant deny that im a bookworm during high school days and everytime my teacher writes soemthing on the board, i immediately copied it on my notebook. for the sake that when exams come, im ready for it and study for it to pass. and also, i have a poor memory and easily forgets especially if im not interested with the subject. so, taking notes is really helpful for me.
@SketcherD (1114)
• Canada
15 Nov 08
I always took notes while the teacher was lecturing. Whether they like it or not. That is the way I learn and they would just have to deal with it. 
That is the way I learn and they would just have to deal with it. 