Note taking is another student skill we often take for granted. The fingers may or may not be moving. If the fingers are moving, are the notes worthy and actual useful? We know that simply copying down material from the blackboard that the instructor is copying from the textbook contributes almost nothing to learning! Furthermore, when the student is copying down non-value-added material, they are likely missing key cue words or insights; note taking can actually hurt learning if done poorly. Most people cannot walk and chew gum at the same time. Cognitive interruptus is not good; writing constantly and trying to listen and think is very difficult. This is why many students prefer to have a recording of a lecture; one that they can play back, speed up, listen to repeatedly.
As with how to listen or read with intent and for comprehension, we do not think that many students have actually been taught how to take notes: when to take a note, what to write, and then how to use the notes. Note taking is also important out of the classroom when the student is on co-op, doing an internship, or working upon graduation.
Are you self-aware and mindful of your own note taking? Are you an effective and efficient note taker? Have you ever consciously thought about your note taking?
The following is based on the student manual website and the guidance we give students about effective and efficient note taking. It is also important to consider the role of sketching and making diagrams; there is a separate note on that.