Topic 6 : Taking Notes

What is note taking?

Note-taking is the practice of writing down or otherwise recording key points of information.

WHY TAKING NOTES?

• Helps us to pay attention in class
• Helps us study for quiz, tests or 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 lecturer test students on how well the captured given information

NOTE – TAKING STRATEGIES

HOW DO WE TAKE NOTES ?

• Date and label notes
• Give ourselves space to write 
• Use abbreviations and symbols

• Use an outline to show :

           – Main ideas           – Supports           – Examples

• Use our own language

USEFUL ABBREVIATIONS AND SYMBOLS

How do we prepare for class :-

1. Preview previous notes

2. Plan on listening 90% of the time

3. Write the date at the top of your paper for notes

4. Leave spaces between the lines so that you can add information later

5. Look up keywords prior to class

6. Review syllabus

7. Do pre-reading and homework

8 Ways To Take Better Lecture Notes

1. Only jot down particular phrases you think are important. Don’t write down every single word
2. Use a handphone or any sound recording apps to record lectures.
3. Pay attention in the class is important.
4. Highlight, underline and capitalize. Write certain words or phrases
5. Close all your handphone programs and turn the internet data off to get rid of distractions.
6. Leave a gap so you can add the information later.
7. Sharing your lecture notes afterwards, or asking to see someone else’s. Sharing is caring.
8. Make yourself comfortable. Try a few different methods, and once you’ve worked out your own style, stick to it!

WHY WE NEED TO REVIEW?

1. We lose 80% of what we hear if it is not reviewed within a few hours.
2. Identify any questions for peers, the next class, or ask the professor.
3. There is not enough time to absorb all the information given in class if it’s not reviewed on a regular basis.
4. Think: “If I were tested on this lecture tomorrow, would I ace it?”

Cornell Note Taking Method

Table Note Method

Outlining Note Method

Mapping Note Method

ACTIVITY 1