NOTE-TAKING STRATEGIES

1. NOTE-TAKING STRATEGIES

2. NOTES….. Do your notes have the content you need to make a good grade on your exams? Are your notes organized? Do you take the initiative to begin writing without being told? Will your college professor tell you what to write down – or to begin to write?

3. Why take notes? • Organized notes help you identify the important concepts and ideas of the subject matter. • They are a permanent record of the lecture. • A lecture is often (not always) how a professor indicates what they feel is important material. • Physically recording the information can help in incorporating it into memory.

4. Note-taking requires Active Listening Hearing vs. listening

5. Listening Skills • Maintain eye contact • Focus on content, not the spit ball hanging from the speakers mouth • Avoid emotional Reponses (I hate this teacher, I’m not listening!) • Become involved • Listen critically • Listen for details too • Use the gap between speech and thought speed – take advantage of that breath! • Positive attitude – even if it isn’t your favorite – it is probably required for your degree – electives • are mandatory in college.

6. Methods to Identify Important Information • Info is written on board/transparency, etc • Provides examples • Lists information • Pay attention to non-verbal clues • References specific pages in the text • Information is repeated • Voice changes • Provides wait time • Signal words (transitions, key words, clues) • Tells you it will be test question

7. Do’s • Be prepared – pen, paper (they don’t carry extras!) • Use a 3-ring binder • Write on one side only • Begin taking notes immediately – don’t wait for inspiration • Use phrases, short-hand, etc • Date your notes • Review previous class notes • Active listening skills • Ask questions • Be consistent in your note-taking form for each class • Oh yeah, go to class! It is easy to get into habits of blowing off classes because you can.

8. Don’ts • Don’t wait for something important • Don’t look for just the facts • Don’t doodle – breaks concentration • Don’t sit near friends – tune out distractions • Don’t copy word for word the lecture – summarize what the main ideas are. • Don’t give up if lecturer talks fast • If it’s a discussion course –still take notes!

9. Note-taking methods • Outline • Block/paragraph • Cornell • Mapping

10. Outline method • Formal or informal outline • Major points written at left. Indent each more specific point to the right. • Advantage: well-organized if written correctly, easy to review • Disadvantage: really only works for very well organized lectures. Requires more thought during note-taking process for accurate organization.

11. Block/paragraph method • Start with main point written at the left, then indent and write in paragraph form. Leave space and begin new paragraphs when main points change. • Advantage: able to include facts and details • Disadvantage: can be a disorganized method

12. Cornell Method • Method of note-taking that provides a way to review and study effectively • Advantages – organized system. Can be used in any lecture format. Easy format for pulling out important information. Do it right the first time. • Disadvantages - none

13. Cornell Method • Steps • Divide paper with a 2 inch margin on the left, leaving a 6 inch margin on the right. • Write name, date on top of page • During class, take notes on the right side. Skip lines between main points. Format can vary (try to avoid outline style) • As soon after class as possible, review notes. Clarify information, fill in gaps, edit as necessary. For each section write cue’s, key words/phrases in the right column. Write summary of lecture at the bottom (main ideas!!) • When studying, cover the right side and use key words and cues to remember information. Most effective to recite information.

14. http://muskingum.edu/~cal/database/notetaking.html#Cornell

15. Mapping Method • Graphic representation of the lecture. • The placement of material shows each point is connected to others. • Advantages – helps you to visually track the lecture. Little thought required for recording. • Disadvantages – must be a visual learner. May not accurately record changes in main ideas and supporting details.

16. Mapping Method • Record main idea at top • Draw lines to supporting details • Begin new maps with each shift of main topic • When reviewing, you can build on map if needed

17. The most important part of note-taking • Actively review within 24 hours. Best right after class. • Review again • Compare notes with study buddy • Supplement as needed