Students may have difficulty taking notes during class, but Georgia State’s Regents Center for Learning Disorders (RCLD) has developed an online list of note-taking strategies to help.
The center was founded in 1993 to better assist students with learning disabilities.
RCLD at Georgia State is one out of three locations throughout the University System of Georgia. The other two are housed at the University of Georgia and Georgia Southern University, according to Regents Center website.
“Our mission is to serve students who suspect they may have a learning disorder that is contributing to underachievement in their academic pursuits,” said Molly Larson, a psychologist at RCLD. “We provide comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations to students and recommend learning accommodations.”
Larson also said although RCLD is dedicated to helping persons with learning disabilities, every student can benefit from the alternative note-taking strategies the center provides.
Casey Leary, senior neuroscience major, said a note-taking strategy is to print out Power Points before class. This helps her manage her notes in upper level classes where she can’t write everything her professor is saying.
And although her note-taking strategy isn’t listed on RCLD’s website, she said she thinks the strategies that it lists could be beneficial for anyone.
Some of the note taking tips include leaving wide margins and space at the bottom of the note pages, recording only main ideas, reviewing notes prior to the next class and comparing notes with a classmate, according to Regents Center website.
Larson said it’s important to develop many strategies as a student so you can apply the most effective method for each course.
“Strategies that are effective for biology may not be as effective for history or mathematics,” Larson said. “Similarly, a strategy may work well for one student while another student may need a different strategy to learn the same material.”
Freshman business major Madison Fouche said it would benefit students if they were notified about these strategies during Incept because some of the students have poor study habits.
“Note taking isn’t one of my strong points,” Fouche said. “I was not aware of The Regents’ Centers online note taking strategies up until now. These strategies are helpful and I will definitely print them out and attach it to my binder.”
Larson said those seeking study assistance should not rely heavily on the center. But they can check out RCLD’s website for tips.
“If a student suspects that they may have a learning disorder, they should speak with someone in their local college’s disability services office to investigate the appropriateness of a referral for a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation,” she said.
For more information about services, strategies and resources visit RCLD’s website.
