Taking Notes in the Classroom - Diagrams, Lists, and Other Visual Aids

Note taking is one of the most common and most useful study methods that an individual might use to study for a particular exam, interview, or other similar purpose. However, it is important for an individual to make sure that his or her notes are as complete and accurate as possible. This can actually be difficult in some situations, however, if the individual is attempting to take notes on pre-made diagrams, lists, or other visual aids. Many professors use overhead projectors or other similar devices to show diagrams, lists, and models that the professor has constructed before class. These diagrams can often be very useful and informative, but it may be difficult for an individual to copy each diagram in the very short amount of time that the individual has between each slide. As a result, it is important for an individual to find various ways that he or she can take notes on the information from each diagram quickly. This can usually be achieved by using two simple techniques.

First, if the individual does not have time to copy a specific diagram exactly, the individual should focus on getting the information down on paper instead of copying the diagram. In other words, if it appears that the format of the diagram does not really matter, the individual should ignore the formatting altogether and just list all of the information related to that particular topic. The most important thing that the individual should remember about each diagram is that each diagram is intended to convey a certain idea and it is more important for an individual to note what the diagram is saying than it is for the individual to copy the diagram exactly. Secondly, if it appears that it is essential for the information to be in the same format as the diagram so the individual can understand it, the individual may want to simplify the diagram. For example, if a complex diagram is attempting to demonstrate the relationship between different substances, the individual may want to just write down each substance and draw a line between each substance that is related. This will allow the individual to acknowledge that there is a relationship between two specific items and the individual can expand on that relationship later.