1. Note Taking Strategies
Chapter 4

2. The way to take notes
Note taking methods

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

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

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. Signal Words

12. 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.

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

14. 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.

15. 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”

16. 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.