1. Teaching and Learning Education Centre
Note Taking Workshop
Teaching and Learning Education Centre

2. What is Note Taking and Why is it Important?
Note-taking is the process of recording important information from lectures, seminars, readings and other sources and organizing them in a systematic way that is conducive to greater retention
Note-taking strategies are an important part of effectively organising information and an essential step to successful studies

3. Method 1: Linear
Linear note taking is the most common form of recording. Linear notes follow the order of the reading/ lecture
Pros
Cons
Quick
Needs to be reviewed
Allows to process information at a later time
Students tend to take down too many words without organisation

4. Traditional Linear Notes Organised Linear Notes
Text Example
Large-scale civil unrest was the second stimulus to the early development of conflict analysis and management. By the mid-nineteenth century, the industrial revolution had produced enormous demographic dislocations, extreme poverty, and a wide gulf between worker and owner. Karl Marx led a kind of conflict scholarship that produced credible and powerful analyses of conflict between classes. (Wehr 2002, p2)
Example: Linear
Traditional Linear Notes
Large scale, civil unrest, second stimulus, early development, conflict analysis, management. Mid 19th C, industrial revolution, enormous demographic dislocations, extreme poverty, wide gulf between worker and owner
Organised Linear Notes
Dev. of C.A + M: Civil unrest (large) -> 2nd stimulus. Disparity b/ worker and owner by mid 19th C.

5. How to Improve Linear Note Taking
Organise using headings and subheadings
Leave plenty of space for additions
Use shorthand and symbols

6. Method 2: Spidergram
Spidergrams are a patterned way of linking related key points and concepts with a central focal point. Words, abbreviations, symbols and visuals are often used
Pros
Cons
Can be organised onto 1 page
Can be time-consuming
How the information links back to the main concept can be clearly seen
If a topic is complicated, it may be confusing for some
Several connections can be made using simple lines
Reflects the natural process of the mind

7. Example: Spidergram How to Improve Spidergrams
Use colour codes to differentiate between quotes, concepts, definitions etc…

8. Method 3: Visual Outline
Visual Outline is a method similar to a spidergram. It differs slightly in that symbols and pictures that are unique to the note taker are used
Pros
Cons
Pictures and symbols can be used to represent a large piece of information
Time consuming and sometimes distracting
Often recommended for visual learners
What the pictures and symbols represent need to be remembered

9. How to Improve Visual Outline Notes
Example: Visual Outline
In the visual outline method of note taking, pictures and symbols that trigger large chunks of information are used. In the example on the left, X denotes Karl Marx and a clip art image of Oliver Twist denotes financial disparity during the industrial revolution
How to Improve Visual Outline Notes
Use universal symbols
Using a computer can make it easier (copy an d paste function)

10. Method 4: Cornell/ Split Page
The split page/ Cornell method uses a margin to categorise sections using key terms and cues to organise information
Pros
Cons
Reduces down information
Photocopies/ ownership of notes/ readings is necessary
Quick and effective for reviewing notes as large pieces of information are easily found

11. Example: Cornell/ Split Page
How to Improve Cornell/ Split Page Notes
Write a short summary at the end of the page
Review notes to ensure cues are relevant

12. Method 5: Charting
Charting is used to categorise specific information into tables or charts. It is often used when there is several pieces of information that share categories i.e. dates, place names
Pros
Cons
Quickly links relationships
Is not suitable for all readings/ lectures
Encourages concise note taking

13. How to Improve Charting Notes
Example: Charting
How to Improve Charting Notes
Print off a template of tables to save time

14. Tips to Improve Note Taking
Always take notes of sources to avoid plagiarism
Decide what format you will use (digital or paper)
Gather tools (highlighters/ computer/ binders/ notebook)
Start a new page for each section/class
Date your work
Review and organise your notes