Listen and Take Effective Notes

1. Listen and Take Effective Notes

2. Attentive Listening A decision to be fully focused with the intent of understanding the speaker. During class time, aim to be a central processor and a nonverbal reader

3. Strategies • Prepare to Listen • Read assignments • Be willing to listen • Be open-minded • Position yourself to listen • Reduce distractions • Show that you are listening • Stay Attentive • Be quiet • Stay focused • Show empathy, respect, and genuine interest • Observe the speaker • Predict and ask questions • Integrate learning styles and use all your senses • Postpone judgment • Don’t get caught up in drama • Review What You Have Heard • Paraphrase • Assess • Practice Awareness

4. Note Taking A method of creating order and arranging thoughts and materials to help retain information.

5. Note Taking Systems Cornell System of Note Taking Formal (Traditional) Outlines Informal (Creative) Outlines Mind Maps Combination Note-Taking Systems

6. Cornell System • Notes • Largest section; record information from class lectures in the format that works best for you • Cues • Jot down cues, main ideas, phrases, keywords, or clarifications • Summary • Summarize the class/session in your own words.

7. Cornell System of Note Taking

8. Outlines Formal (Traditional) Informal (Creative) Uses Roman numerals and capital letters for subject headings, main points, etc. Uses lowercase numbers and letters for supporting points System is very consistent and organized—good for taking notes from chapters, papers, etc. Free form outline that uses dashes, indenting, etc. to highlight main points Useful in taking notes from classes since it allows you to focus on main ideas without worrying about specific rules

9. Mind Maps A visual, holistic form of note taking that starts with the main idea placed in the center of a page and branches out with subtopics through associations and patterns.

10. Example Mind Map

11. Combination Note-Taking System No two people take notes the same way. Effective note taking use a variety of methods. Experiment to discover what method works best for you. Listen, organize, record, and review material.

12. Note-Taking Strategies Preview the material Go to every class and pay attention Be on time Sit up front Use all your senses Make note-taking active and physical Link information Use creative shorthand and focus on keywords Organize your notes—use 3-ring binder Use note cards Expand on notes from others Use your laptop Skip spaces between main concepts Label each page of notes (date, class, assignments)

13. “Note”-worthy Words “…a major point…” “…pay special attention to…” “…note this…” “…an important reason…” “…don’t forget…” “…a chief cause/effect…” “…what do you think is the reason for this?” “…this will probably be on the test…” Repeated statements Numbered lists Nonverbal queues

14. Special Tips • Record keywords of examples • Use abbreviations and symbols • Remove vowels • What are some examples you have? • Use nonverbal cues • Accenting from instructor • Be aware (but not stressed over) your body language • Do not fiddle or be distracted • Good eye contact without staring • Use open posture • Do not sit next to negative people

15. Assess and Review Your Notes Summarize in your own words Edit and revise notes Create a sample test Use visual cues Review your notes Monitor and evaluate

16. Review Read and review before the class Go to class; be on time and ready to participate Take notes Create a note system that works best for you using symbols and abbreviations Review notes and make changes after class Ask instructor and/or study group about any questions you may have

17. Activity • Use your notes from last week’s class to create a 10 question quiz • 4-5 questions should be short answer • 3-4 questions should be fill in the blank • 1-3 questions should be true/false