Taking and making notes Unit 5

What are we going to do today? look at different ways of organizing notes practice a system of taking reading notes together learn to work with the Cornell system of note- taking master and apply systems for taking notes during both reading and lecture academic activities

What are notes for? Why should we take notes? Why do you think we should take notes?

Why should we take notes? good notes help you study more effectively cut down the amount of information you need to handle help you think actively about what you are reading/listening to writing down is study in itself (by processing it in your head you’re actually learning)

What makes good notes? NO - writing down everything you read/hear YES - actively deciding what to note how it should be noted how the notes are to be used

Good notes should be well organised types of organisation linear (topic is outlined one point after another) pattern (the shape of the notes shows how the main ideas are related) indentation flow charts spacing diagrams and graphs numbering/lettering mind maps/spider diagrams

Flowchart shows how ideas relate to one another, how they ‘flow’

Diagrams and graphs

Mind maps (spider diagrams) for visual learning used for showing how ideas relate particularly useful when brainstorming ideas they can help you recall information you already know

Mind maps are considered to be a type of spider diagram The elements of a mind map are arranged according to the importance of the concepts By presenting ideas in a radial, graphical, nonlinear manner, mind maps encourage a brainstorming approach to planning and organizing tasks

Why use mind maps? Advantages of mind maps: More brain friendly The brain is capable of processing hundreds of images a second The organisation reflects how the brain remembers, linking facts/memories Easy to review The process of creating a mind map deepens learning Disadvantages of traditional linear notes: Energy and time wasted writing down useless words Other information may be missed Take longer to read and review Associations and connections between key words and ideas not readily apparent Attention wanders easily Lack of color and other visual qualities handicap memory

Annotation = a short explanation or opinion added to a text or picture ‘writing between the lines’ (and in the margins)

The function of notes and annotating notes about the points in the text/lecture notes about what the points bring to your mind

Abbreviations and symbols

Cornell Notes A systematic format for condensing and organising notes. These notes can be taken from any source of information, such as fiction and nonfiction books, DVDs, lectures, text books, etc. Long sentences are avoided; symbols or abbreviations are used instead. To assist with future reviews, students write relevant questions or key words in the left column. Record as soon as possible so that the lecture and questions will be fresh in the student's mind, usually within 24 hours.

Cornell Notes Students then write a brief summary in the bottom five to seven lines of the page. This helps to increase understanding of the topic. When studying for either a test or quiz, the student has a concise but detailed and relevant record of previous classes. When reviewing the material, the student can cover the note-taking (right) column while attempting to answer the questions/keywords in the key word or cue (left) column.

Layout

Cornell notes taken in a history class

BEWARE OF PLAGIARISM! ALWAYS write down where your notes have been taken from if you use them later in an essay or talk , you MUST INDICATE that they are not your own ideas, otherwise you may be accused of plagiarism and failed later in the course we will learn to quote from different sources – for now REMEMBER to always write down the name of the author and the source (book, lecture etc.)

Taking notes when reading - concise & precise - ASK YOURSELF about: the purpose of the notes essay exam background information the best method linear notes (e.g. Cornell) mind map (spider graph) chart or diagram

‘Sick Work Places’ p. 62 read the article make two sets of notes (online or in your notebook) linear notes mind map

Taking notes when listening spoken communication differs from writing consider way of speaking (emphasis, repeating, etc.) use of aids (blackboard, projector etc.) use of set expressions (‘okay’, ‘right’ etc.)

Do your teachers do this?

Let’s practice taking notes! we’re going to watch three short TED talks Mohamed Ali: The link between unemployment and terrorism Kamal Meattle: How to grow fresh air David Burkus: Why you should know how much your coworkers get paid take Cornell notes (remember the points we talked about in the lesson) afterwards you’ll get the time to discuss if we have time, we’ll try to recreate these TED talks at the end of the lesson

Mohamed Ali The link between unemployment and terrorism

Kamal Meattle How to grow fresh air

David Burkus Why you should know how much your coworkers get paid