can't keep up when note-taking -- Virtually Advising Q+A

The Q: I consider myself a pretty good note-taker, but this lecture class is killing me. It's a large class, and the professor spends the entire lecture talking so quickly and spouting out so much information that I can't keep up. I desperately try to scribble down all the details he gives, but it's so hard to really understand the material when I'm spending so much time just trying to write it down.

The A: There are several possible solutions to this problem. First, you can form a note-taking collective. Four or five of you agree to share your notes from each class; that way, you'll feel solidly covered. The only drawback is that some members may lean too heavily on others. Before you get involved in such an arrangement with your best pal, be sure her handwriting is legible and she stays awake in class.

Another option is to tape the class. Many students do this, and I think it works really well. It's very important, though, to get permission from your instructor first. Many professors are squeamish about students recording what they feel is their intellectual property - especially with so many note-taking services selling their work on the open market. But it should be easy enough to get a green light once you've explained your reasons for taping the class.

Once that's out of the way, you have to decide what to do with the tapes. You can transcribe them or listen to them. You can use them as a backup to your in-class notes, filling in the gaps by reviewing them while listening to the tape.

You can also ask around. Find other students who have had this class with this professor before. Find out what kind of exam questions he or she asks. You can definitely gear your note-taking to the style of evaluation if you know what it is.

You can also talk to the professor. Ask her or him what you should be focusing on. Ask if she or he would consider a Web site with class notes posted on it - this is becoming increasingly common as faculty get more Web-literate.

Since everyone's learning and studying styles are different, these may not all work for you. But somewhere in the mix, I hope you find a useful approach.

—Anahid Kassabian, Chief Advisor