Literature on the efficiency of student note taking from lectures and the extent to which students learn as a direct or indirect result of taking notes is reviewed. Attention is also given to the relevance of research in this area to modern lecturing practice and to the problems of such research. (Author/MSE)

A study of 100 college teachers investigated rationale and techniques for lecturing. Results suggest that, although the objectives of the lecture method are laudable, most would be achieved better by methods requiring more active student involvement. Most respondents wanted students to take notes for further study or to help establish structure…