Table 4. Topics and Selected Quotes from Students Responding to Open-Ended Questions on Note Taking.

Topic: Evolving Strategies Favoring Longhand Note taking “I use a laptop in class, but write out notes by hand right after class.” “I come to class to listen, not to take notes, then I take notes at home.” “I handwrite my notes later.” “I tried writing every word said, then switched to writing down main points, and listening more.” “As the semester went on, I took less notes from the slides and relied more on listening.” “I started writing notes only when deemed necessary.” “Only took notes when slides were lacking in detail.” “I started taking more handwritten notes.”

Topic: Alternative Strategies: Still Looking for an Answer “Still looking for the best note taking strategy that fits me.” “We began taking notes collaboratively, and it helped.” “I took notes on my iPad where I was able to type and also handwrite.”

Topic: Class Policy Suggestions Regarding Note taking “Ban electronics and print out the slides.” “I have a short attention span and find myself distracted with easy access to my computer and phone.” “Require several lectures to be electronics-free.” “Share notes from the good note takers. Those notes should be for everyone. We are all in this together.” “Assign work study students a job for good note taking.”

Topic: Improve Lecture Slides to Facilitate Student Learning “Put more material on the slides so we don't have to write so much.” “Highlight points on the slide.” “Emphasize important ideas on the slides with stars and different colors.” “Color-code and bold the notes.” “Put a summary slide up for each lecture.” “Draw more diagrams on the slides.”

Topic: Maintaining Laptop Use “I like using my laptop for filing and finding files later on.” “Taking handwritten notes is hard because I'm worried that I won't be able to get everything that's said.” “I can type faster than I can write.” “I can't write as fast as I can type.” “Although I get distracted, I still prefer my laptop.” “Hard to keep up without a laptop.” “Not enough time to take notes by hand or by laptop.”

Questions were: “Do you have any comments about note taking in PRMC 603, or note taking in general?” and “In general, what could faculty, staff, administrators, or even other persons do to promote effective note taking by students?