Note Taking Strategies Chapter 4

The way to take notes Note taking methods

Note-Taking Methods Here are a few general tips for taking notes apply to most methods: Write on only one side of the paper Note the day and the day’s topic at the top of each page Write on every other line Use abbreviations to speed up writing

The Cornell Method Offers a systematic way to organize your notes Each area of the page serves a distinct purpose (A,B,C) A: after completing your notes write questions and key words to help you recall the information B: record your notes in paragraph form C: summarize the information that you have captured on that page

Mind-Mapping Method It is an illustrative way to record and study your notes Begins with a central concept from which main points or supporting materials branch

Keys to Mind Mapping Print using lower and uppercase letters so the text is varied, clear and readable Add images and color wherever possible Use consistent coding (e.g. circles around central concepts, boxes around main points) Print neatly and clearly Focus on getting down ideas don’t worry about organization

Taking notes on your textbook Keeping track of what you’ve already read… Taking notes on your textbook

The Basics Your textbook is a tool to assist you in learning the course material Don’t be afraid to use your textbook Highlight, make notes in it, or add information in the margins You might as well write in it, because you won’t get enough back to make up for the learning you missed out on

Before You Begin Reading Review the headings and subheadings of the assigned reading. Consider what the professor has discussed in class. Read the chapter summary or the questions at the end of the chapter.

While You Are Reading Find the topic sentence in each paragraph. Review the examples that are provided to illustrate the key concepts. Make marginal notes in the text. Examine tables, graphs and figures. Look for signal words.

Signal Words

After You Complete the Reading Before you end your study session, review your notes to make sure you understand what you have written and highlighted. If your notes don’t make sense to you now, they won’t make sense later in the semester.

Taking notes on the lecture Writing Down the professors words of wisdom… Taking notes on the lecture

Before the Lecture Use a different notebook for each class. Identify the topic of the day from the syllabus. Create a note-taking method for each class. Complete the assigned readings and review the notes from the previous class. Read any supplemental materials the teacher gives you.

During the Lecture Write down only the key points in the lecture Instructors highlight these points by: Writing key phrases on the board Providing an outline of the most important concepts The tone of the professors voice Restating a concept or idea Asking “do you understand”

After the Lecture Review your notes as soon as possible after the lecture has ended. Summarize your notes. Identify & define the key words, events, people and dates in the days lecture. Review your notes daily. Confer with a study partner to ensure you understood the content.