Students with executive functioning challenges involving sustained attention, working memory, task initiation, self-monitoring, and goal-directed persistence often struggle to take notes in history, science, and language arts. Try these suggestions to improve their skills.
Use the Cornell note-taking system proven to help thousands of students with the often difficult task of taking notes.
Buy “law-ruled” paper with a 2.5″ – 3” right margin. You can buy this type paper at most university bookstores or online. If you want to print your own paper, click here for a downloadable template: law-ruled paper
Be on-time: Get to class on time so you can get ready to take notes.
Never ask the teacher if you have to take notes!
At the beginning of class, the teacher will likely say,“Today, we’re going to talk about…” This is the topic: write this at the top and on the center of the first page.
During your teacher’s lecture, take notes on the right side of the page.
Use abbreviations: Invent your own or use suggestions from a study guide and use them consistently.
When your teacher says, “This is important…” make sure and capture these future test questions.
If you don’t get all the notes, leave space, and ask the teacher or a friend what you missed.
After class, write in the main ideas on the left side of the page.
Review your notes before the next class. Ask questions if you don’t understand something.
Here’s the PAY-OFF from using this system: 
Study from your Notes! When it’s time to study for the test, use your notes by covering up the right side of the page as you try to recall definitions and concepts.
This saves you the time you might have taken to make flash-cards!
Parents and teachers, I urge you to practice these note-taking suggestions with your children or students: encourage them to try this system proven to save time and effort.
© 2009-2011, flexiture, monte w. davenport, ph.d
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