Taking Effective�

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Notes

What is note taking?�

• writing down ideas from lectures and readings in our own words.

Why take notes

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• Helps us to pay attention in class
• Helps us study for quiz, tests/ final exam
• Helps us improve our memory
• Helps us take ownership of ideas
• Helps us engage our senses
• Helps us organize and process data and information
• Helps the lecturers test students on how well they captured given information.

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Why review notes?

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• We lose 80% of what we hear if it is not reviewed within a few hours

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• Identify any questions for peers, the next class, or to ask the professor

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• There is not enough time to absorb all the information given in class if it’s not reviewed on a regular basis

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• Think: “If I were tested on this lecture tomorrow, would I ace it?” Make it so!

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TAKE TIME EVERY DAY TO REVIEW NOTES

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Why “recapture” notes after class?

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Frees you up to write in quick, shorthand during class

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An excellent test-prep strategy for reinforcing information

Better than re-copying, this

time you’re digesting & rephrasing

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Great for Kinesthetic learners

Can catch ??s, gaps, look-up words

Prompts higher-level questions

Saves hours of studying and review the days before test

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Introductory Questions

• Loose-leaf paper
• Binder
• Folders with pockets
• Pens, pencils, erasers , etc

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• What materials do we need?

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Before class

• Review the notes from the day before
• Review your reading assignment
• Make sure you have paper, text, pens/pencils, handout
• Write the date at the top of your paper for notes.
• Leave spaces between the lines so that you can add information later.

Physical Factors

• Seating
• Near the front and center
• Better vision
• Better hearing
• Avoid distraction
• Doorways, window glare, etc.
• Peers

How do we take notes?

• Date and label notes
• Give ourselves space to write
• Use abbreviations and symbols
• What are some examples of symbols and abbreviations?
• Use an outline to show:
• Main ideas
• Supports
• Examples
• Use our own language

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Useful Abbreviations

!! - important

?? - not clear

- on test

- cause/link

+ or & - and

= - equal

@ - at

- look up

T

N - noun

S - subject

O - object

V - verb

Adj - adjective

Adv - adverb

Ex - example

pg - page

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How do we prepare for class?

• Do pre-reading and homework
• Review syllabus
• Preview previous notes
• Look up key words prior to class
• Plan on listening 80% of the time and

20% of the time

• Write the date at the top of your paper for notes.
• Leave spaces between the lines so that you can add information later.

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While taking notes

• Be an aggressive, not a passive, listener
• Ask questions and discuss if its permitted
• If not, jot questions in your notes
• Seek out meaning

Mood of Lecturer

• Observation is key

Conts.,

Keen observers focus their attention on the details and make the most of their time during lectures by preparing and reviewing BEFORE THE LECTURE EVEN STARTS!

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• Complete outside assignments - The more familiar you are with a subject, the easier it will be to understand in class
• Bring the right materials to the lecture

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Key actions to note as you �OBSERVE your instructor�

• Be alert to repetition

When an instructor repeats a specific point, make a note of it

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• Watch the board or overhead projector

If an instructor writes something down, the material is

important

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• Notice the instructor's interest level

If the instructor is excited about something, it is likely to be on an

exam

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• Let go of judgments about lecture styles

Don't let your attitude about an instructor's style get in the way of

your education

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�What happens when your instructor isn’t too interesting…�

SOME TIPS TO HELP YOU WHEN THIS HAPPENS…

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• When you notice your attention slipping, pay attention to the ACT of writing.

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• Ask questions - Chances are, the question you think is "dumb" is on the mind of several classmates

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• Volunteer for

demonstrations

and discussions

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�What happens when your lecturer isn’t too interesting…�

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• Sit in the front of the room

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***It has been proven that students who sit close to the front are more likely to do better on tests because:

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• it is harder to fall asleep
• the board is easier to read
• the instructor can see you more easily

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Also, when you sit in front, you are declaring your willingness to take a risk and participate

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Cornell Note taking

Two Column Method

Outlining

Mapping Method

Sentence Method

• Write sentences on every other line.

How do we review after a class?

• Review notes along with the book
• Create our own examples
• Discuss and compare notes with others
• Re-write notes
• Practice those skills you wish to develop
• Ask professor for clarification

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REMEMBER SQ4R

• Survey - overview: quickly scan
• Question – Establish a purpose
• Read – to answer questions
• Rite – take notes
• Review – at the short intervals
• Recite –answer to questions with the book closed