1. A summary or reinforcement of the main points of what you read, heard or saw; they are also an essential record of where information came from (for referencing purposes). 2. Aid to memory. Using your own words 3. Useful for future revision purposes, particularly in preparation for exams or writing assignments. 4. Stops boredom. It Helps you to concentrate on the lesson or reading; the note-writing process can help you overcome distraction and can encourage you to become a more active, rather than passive, learner.

 Lessons, or from printed texts. If the subject is an unfamiliar one, this is often inevitable, particularly with international students who are trying hard to understand, follow and note what the teacher is saying.  But it should be regarded as the first-stage only of the process and should lead on to note-making.  IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE NEAT – THIS IS A WORKING DRAFT

(a) when you review your notes and re- organise them in a way that makes more sense or leads to more obvious connections between points; (b) Note-making then, is when you have to actively select, organise and connect data and information that is particularly relevant and important to a deeper understanding of the subject.

Bullet points – DO NOT JUST COPY Underlining or highlight key points No redundant words, you are trying to reduce material Use familiar and unpretentious words or pictures A direct style of writing Bullet pointing is easier to recall (but bullet pointing is actually an intellectual skill) Try & Understand the BIG PICTURE about the story / explanation / theory.

 TRANSFORM (note taking) The content of the lessons into notes in your own words – Mind-maps, bullet points etc  PRACTISE Applying this content to exam questions  RECALL Generate a verbal or visual mnemonic that would prompt recall of the content (TPR)

 If you like playing with words, you will probably enjoy  making up mnemonics to help you remember lists.  You use the first letter of each word you need to remember to make a new word – one that triggers off your memory.

Note Taking 1. Understand the BIG picture 2. Highlight KEY POINTS 3. Be Logical4. Be Selective 5. Review notes and use TPR Learning 6. Practise and Recall using Mnemonics