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Note Taking

Get involved in the Laurier community with something you're already doing... taking lecture notes!

Accessible Learning provides access to note taking support for registered Accessible Learning students  who have been approved for this classroom accommodation.

On this page: 

How Your Notes Help

The fundamental design of lectures can make note taking challenging for some students with disabilities. It is not uncommon for lectures and lecture rooms to have extraneous noise and distractions, uncomfortable chairs and few breaks, presentation of highly visual material, and fast-paced delivery of content. These factors can impede the ability of someone with chronic pain, ADHD, a learning disability or sensory impairment, for example, to take comprehensive notes.

By being a note taker, you can: 

  • Feel good about helping another student.
  • Improve your notes by being more conscious about what you're writing.
  • Receive valuable references for a job well done.
  • Gain experience to include on your resume and your Laurier Experience Record.

How to Apply

  1. Access the Online Note Taker application at AL online.
  2. Fill in requested information to create your profile.
  3. Click the button "register as a note-taker" (you are now registered).
  4. Sign into AL online using your Laurier user name and password 
    • This page is a different log in page than Step 1.
    • If you have difficulties logging in, try accessing the link in a new tab.
  5. Verify the correct term is displayed.
  6. Enter your course CRN (course registration numbers). If you do not know your CRN for your course, you can look them up in LORIS.
  7. Read, sign and submit your note taker contract.
  8. Verify that you entered your course information correctly and submit your class schedule.

If you are selected to be a note taker, we will email your @mylaurier.ca email account.

Check your email regularly, as we are continuously assigning note takers throughout the term.

Note Taker Responsibilities

As a note taker, you have certain responsibilities to ensure your success as a volunteer. 

Your notes do not include any chapter or reading material, only lecture information.

Best Practices

Always be prepared for your lecture. Think about note-taking as a three-part process: what you do before, during and after class have a great impact on the quality of your notes. 

Tips and Tricks

Tips from the Accessible Learning Centre

  • Sit at the front of the classroom.
  • If you are unsure of spelling, use "sp?" and check it/correct it later.
  • Be an active participant and ask questions.
  • Expand/elaborate on key points.
  • Make friends so you can get missed notes.
  • Eliminate distractions, such as the internet, while note-taking.

Tips from Previous Note Takers

  • Read over your notes before posting.
  • Good time management is key and make sure to spell check!
  • Set an alarm/reminder to post your notes at the end of the week and pay attention in class (this helps both you and the note-receiver!).
  • Reduce distractions.
  • Keep notes clearly labelled and organized.
  • Have a backup if you cannot attend class.
  • Take notes the way you want to take notes and recognize the small (but awesome) difference you’re making on campus.
  • Ask for clarification if you are unsure of something; talk to the professor.

Take Advantage of PowerPoint Slides

If the professor posts slides in advance of the class, you can easily use these to help with your note taking. There are many ways to add your notes to PowerPoint presentations, and you are welcome to try any of them:

  • Add notes in the notes section;
  • Type directly on the slide; or
  • Convert to an outline and add your notes to a Word document.