Pre-class note taking: True. Effective note-taking often begins before you attend class or watch a lecture. Preparing for class is a valuable learning strategy.

Reviewing materials before a lecture helps you understand the information better and improves comprehension. Pre-reading assigned chapters or looking over previous lecture notes allows you to familiarize yourself with key concepts and vocabulary. This preparation makes it easier to follow the lecture and identify important points. Active recall, or testing yourself before class, is another effective strategy.

Preparing before class also improves recall. When you’ve already seen the material, it’s easier to remember it during the lecture. This pre-exposure creates mental hooks that help you attach new information to what you already know.

Effective pre-class note preparation strategies include skimming assigned readings, creating a list of questions you have about the topic, and reviewing vocabulary. Some students find it helpful to create a basic outline of the upcoming lecture based on the syllabus or textbook headings. Pre-class preparation leads to better focus during the lecture, improved note-taking quality, and ultimately, better learning and exam performance.