Critical thinking, reading and taking notes

2. Critical thinking, reading and taking notes Developing Business Practice –302LON Unit: 4Knowledgecast: 2

3. Module Learning Outcomes In this Knowledgecast, we will: • Analyse a range of learning styles and the factors that influence successful study • Evaluate current academic skills and present a plan for the development of academic skills • Demonstrate a critical understanding of the importance of independence in learning and the need for a ‘growth’ mindset

4. Module Overview

5. Why Bother Taking Notes? Source: Cameron (2009)

6. Benefits of Effective Note Taking • Improved concentration • Enhanced understanding • Increased retention and ‘deep learning’ • More efficient reference • Immediate revision tools

7. Master Your Note Taking Based on: Cameron (2009)

8. Note Taking: Annotation Image Source: Bucks County Community College (2010)

9. Note Taking: Précis What is a Précis? • Summary of key points from a text • More concise than the original text • Written using your own words • Organised in consecutive points (even if the original is not clearly defined in this way)

10. Note Taking: Mind Maps Source: Cameron (2009)

11. Creating your Mind Map • Start in the centre with your central idea • Create a branch for each sub theme • Divide a branch into further sub themes • Use visuals for key words or actions • Make it your own Source: Cameron (2009)

12. Note Taking: 4 Best Practices • Use words and diagrams • Organise your content • Improve your notes within 24 hours • File your notes systematically

13. Referencing More Sources Based on: Coventry University Harvard Reference Style Guide (2009)

14. What are we going to cover next? • In our next Knowledgecast, we will look at: • Evaluate current academic, self-marketing and personal skills and present a plan for developing skills • Identify the key skills and competencies involved in designing and undertaking relevant business and management research

15. Knowledgecast Summary In this Knowledgecast, we have looked at: • Analyse a range of learning styles and the factors that influence successful study • How effective note taking can support deep learning • Evaluate current academic skills and present a plan for the development of academic skills • Framework to follow to develop your own note taking strategy • Demonstrate a critical understanding of the importance of independence in learning and the need for a ‘growth’ mindset • Taking responsibility for both what you learn and how you learn most efficiently

17. Seminar – Critical Thinking

18. Seminar: Creative Note Taking • An introduction to Mind Maps • Creating your own mind maps

19. Group Activity – Creative Note Taking Source: Buzan, T. et al (2007)