ADHD can cause difficulties with attending to both listening and taking notes. Prior challenges can contribute to negative attitudes and fears about taking notes. Here are some tips to help:
- Approach notetaking with a positive, “can do” attitude. If you struggle with this, make yourself engage in positive self-talk statements before class and taking notes.
- Figure out which methods for taking notes work for you in what classes. CSAS has some templates available to try and can discuss it with you.
- Ensure you have done assigned readings or homework before attending the class in which they will be discussed. This is critical! As you do the reading, write down questions you have in your notebook for the lecture about it. If you have not done the reading, though, don’t miss class!
- Prepare your brain for taking notes by scanning your notes from the previous class briefly as a “warm up.” Review the questions you wrote about the reading for the day as well.
- Before class, prepare yourself for any potential distractions:
- If ambient noise in the classroom distracts you, try putting earplugs in loosely to block out some noise without blocking the instructor’s voice.
- Use the restroom right before class.
- If being hungry distracts you, eat a small, healthy snack right before class.
- If you are distracted by windows or the doors with people passing by, sit away from the windows or doors and totally obscure your view of these areas if possible. Arrive early enough to sit where needed.
- Mentally put away any problems or emotions you are dealing with during class.
- Ensure you are getting enough sleep the night before so you can remain alert.
- Wear clothes that are comfortable and will not bother you. Don’t wear clothes that are too relaxed, though, and make you want to sleep. Take off hats and remember glasses if needed.
- Ensure you have enough desk space for your materials. Bring all materials you will need.
- Put your phone away and on silent. Do not access your phone during class.
- If you have a PowerPoint or other handout to follow on, mask parts of it with paper and only reveal the part to focus on while it is being discussed.
- Don’t miss class! Create a good habit by attending all classes.
- Sit upright and lean slightly forward, and don’t slouch.
- Take steps to remain engaged during the entire class:
- Try using a small, discreet fidget (CSAS has some options). Alternatives could be to chew gum quietly or make and release a fist periodically.
- Make frequent eye contact with the instructor and nod periodically as you listen.
- Ask a question periodically.
- Sit where you can hear the instructor well. If there is a lot of discussion, try sitting in the middle against the wall so you can hear other students’ comments/questions.
- Write questions in your notes as they come to you for later reference.
- If you are tired, consider a cup of coffee. (see reverse)
- Try hand writing your notes instead of typing and see if this works better.
- If you are prone to losing concentration, ask the instructor if you can audio record so you can go back and listen to portions you may have missed.
- Listen for key phrases for important information (see CSAS’s handout on How to Detect Important Information During Lecture).
- Use abbreviations/shorthand like with texting to take notes more quickly (see CSAS Notetaking Shorthand handout).
- After class, as soon after the lecture as possible:
- Visit your instructor’s office hours and discuss any questions you wrote down.
- Compare notes with a peer to see if you missed material and share suggestions.
- Review your notes and clean them up. Fill in missing information or write answers to your questions and make corrections.
- Consider rewriting your notes to help you take in the information.
- Consider reading your notes aloud to help you study.
- Mask parts of the reading when studying to break it into chunks and block clutter.
