Notetaking

Learning Outcomes The purpose of SDS’ note-taking program Determining what is an accommodation and who may need a note-taker Challenges with note-taking in lectures Tips, Strategies and Resources for Note Taking

SDS’ Note Taking Program

Accommodations Refer to any arrangement equipment or service put in place to support a student with a disability Ensure that students have a fair and equal opportunity to learn and demonstrate learning in a way that respects individual differences and needs SDS coordinates academic accommodations and provides support services to students with documented disabilities Accommodations can include both the classroom and exam setting

Who May Require a Note Taker Students with visual processing impairments Students with auditory processing impairments Students with processing speed impairments Students with poor fine motor skills Students with attention difficulties

As a note taker you are expected to: Be a student too! Review your notes to ensure that they are complete Expand abbreviations/acronyms that you use Post your notes within 48 hours

Understanding the Success Loop

Note Taking Challenges Pace is too fast Class distractions Not knowing what to write Difficulty organizing Questions about content Knowing what to expect allows you to focus on what is being said

Note Taking Challenges

Active Listening Means Looking for interesting aspects within information Looking for new perspectives Focusing on lecture content Making judgments after class Being intentional

Active Listening Also Means Making the lecture personally meaningful Staying focused Having already read and thought about content Reviewing notes to ‘refresh’ before each class and to ‘review’ after

Active Listening ALSO Means Be sure to note the page # if referencing the textbook Include information presented in videos or other media clips Include information presented by guest speakers Write out examples that the instructor provides

More on Active Listening Record the date and class Number your pages Highlight important items Put the information in your own words Include a “key” for abbreviations

Take Note Of: How the professor approaches the material Fundamental facts and details The professors perspective

If the Instructor… Repeats it Places emphasis on it Writes it on the board or overhead Makes a direct reference to the textbook Asks if everyone understands Write It Down!

The Before Note Taking Tips Print resources ahead of time Write notes in your own words Think about what the instructor is saying Use underlining, highlighting, or symbols Write down all examples Use abbreviations

The After Note Taking Tips Reduce by summarizing main points Highlight important terms Fill in any missing information Double check textbook page references Expand any point form notes Include an abbreviation/acronym key

Cornell Note Taking Strategy

Other Resources Mind Tools – Resources on note taking, active listening and study Tools The Cornell Note Taking Cornell University Ten Active Listening Power to Change mindmapping.com

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