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Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

• Explain why taking notes is important.
• Use the four master methods of note taking: lists, outlines, concept maps, and the Cornell method.
• Apply strategies to make annotation-taking more effective.
• Organize your notes into effective study guides.
• Utilise teacher handouts to complement your notes.
• Decide what to practice with your notes after the course is complete.

Note-Taking Strategies

Everybody takes notes, or at least everybody claims to. But if you take a close look, many who are claiming to take notes on their laptops are really surfing the Web, and paper notebooks are filled with doodles interrupted by a couple of random words with an asterisk adjacent to them reminding you lot that "This is of import!" In college, these approaches will not work. In higher, your instructors look yous to brand connections between class lectures and reading assignments; they wait y'all to create an opinion near the material presented; they expect you to make connections between the material and life beyond college. Your notes are your road maps for these thoughts. Exercise you take good notes? Afterwards learning to mind, note taking is the most important skill to ensure your success in a grade.

Effective note taking is important because information technology:

• Supports your listening efforts.
• Allows you to test your understanding of the material.
• Helps you remember the material improve when yous write primal ideas down.
• Gives you a sense of what the instructor thinks is important.
• Creates your "ultimate report guide."

Constructive notation-taking helps students retain what they learned in class so that they tin employ the material to report and build their knowledge and tackle more complex concepts later on on. In fact, research indicates that in that location'due south a 34 percent gamble that students will recollect primal information if it's present in their notes just only a v percent gamble if it's not. It doesn't thing whether y'all prefer to write brief summaries or brand visual guides and diagrams in your notes. The important thing is to discover a notation-taking strategy that works for you.

There are various forms of taking notes, and which one yous choose depends on both your personal style and the instructor's approach to the fabric. Each tin be used in a notebook, index cards, or in a digital form on your laptop. No specific type is good for all students and all situations, so we recommend that you develop your ain manner, but you should too exist gear up to alter it to fit the needs of a specific grade or instructor. To be effective, all of these methods require you lot to listen actively and to call up; merely jotting downwards words the instructor is saying will be of little employ to you.

The post-obit are a few recommendations to try out:

• Stay organized: Keep your notes and handouts separate for each class. For case, you might have a dissimilar notebook and folder for each class or a large notebook with a different tab for each class. This will save y'all the time of trying to organize and locate your notes when studying for an exam.
• Use your paper:Many students try to fit all of a day'due south class notes onto 1 page and are often left with many actress blank pages in their notebooks. Instead, every time your instructor changes topics, flip to a new page. This allows you lot to detect the material hands and makes your notes much cleaner.
• Use visual cues: Try highlighting, underlining, or cartoon arrows or exclamation points next to whatsoever main or difficult concepts. This volition call attention to these sections and remind you lot to spend more time reviewing them.
• Group together similar concepts: Grouping or "chunking" material is a expert mode to make studying and memorization easier. You can try cartoon the main concept and connecting information technology to smaller, related concepts or making an outline of the information. Either one can serve as an constructive study guide.
• Make notes legible: Some people have messy handwriting. However, writing every bit clearly as possible when you take notes volition brand it easier to review them later. It's also helpful if y'all're asked to share your notes with some other educatee who missed class. If laptop use is permitted during class, y'all can as well type your notes.

The following video addresses other specific strategies for note-taking:

Notation-Taking Systems

The following is a chart with a brief explanation of the principal note-taking organization. They are described in more depth after in the chapter.

Method	Clarification	When to Utilise
Lists	A sequential list of ideas every bit they are presented. Lists may be brusk phrases or complete paragraphs describing ideas in more detail.	This method is what most students use every bit a fallback if they haven't learned other methods. This method typically requires a lot of writing, and you may find that you are non keeping upwardly with the professor. It is not easy for students to prioritize ideas in this method.
Outlines	The outline method places virtually important ideas along the left margin, which are numbered with roman numerals. Supporting ideas to these main concepts are indented and are noted with majuscule letters. Nether each of these ideas, further detail can be added, designated with an Arabic number, a lowercase letter, and so forth.	A good method to use when fabric presented by the teacher is well organized. Piece of cake to use when taking notes on your figurer.
Concept Maps	When designing a concept map, place a central thought in the eye of the folio and then add lines and new circles in the page for new ideas. Use arrows and lines to connect the diverse ideas.	Great method to show relationships among ideas. Also good if the instructor tends to hop from one idea to some other and dorsum.
Cornell Method	The Cornell method uses a ii-cavalcade approach. The left column takes up no more than a 3rd of the page and is often referred to as the "cue" or "recall" cavalcade. The correct column (well-nigh two-thirds of the page) is used for taking notes using any of the methods described higher up or a combination of them. After class or completing the reading, review your notes and write the primal ideas and concepts or questions in the left column. You may also include a summary box at the bottom of the page, in which to write a summary of the class or reading in your own words.	The Cornell method tin can include any of the methods to a higher place and provides a useful format for calling out key concepts, prioritizing ideas, and organizing review piece of work. Most colleges recommend using some form of the Cornell method.

The Listing Method

The list method is usually not the best choice considering information technology is focused exclusively on capturing every bit much of what the instructor says every bit possible, not on processing the information. Most students who have not learned constructive study skills apply this method, because it'southward easy to think that this is what annotation taking is all about. Even if yous are skilled in some grade of autograph, you should probably besides learn one of the other methods described here, considering they are all better at helping you lot process and recollect the textile. Yous may want to take notes in class using the list method, simply transcribe your notes to an outline or concept map method after class as a role of your review procedure. Information technology is always important to review your notes equally soon as possible after form and write a summary of the class in your ain words.

The Outline Method

The advantage of the outline method is that it allows yous to prioritize the fabric. Central ideas are written to the left of the page, subordinate ideas are then indented, and details of the subordinate ideas can be indented farther. To further organize your ideas, y'all can employ the typical outlining numbering scheme (starting with roman numerals for key ideas, moving to uppercase letters on the showtime subordinate level, Standard arabic numbers for the next level, and lowercase letters following.) At first yous may have trouble identifying when the instructor moves from one idea to another. This takes practise and feel with each instructor, so don't surrender! In the early stages you should utilize your syllabus to make up one's mind what primal ideas the instructor plans to present. Your reading assignments before class can also requite you lot guidance in identifying the central ideas.

If you're using your laptop computer for taking notes, a bones word processing application (like Microsoft Word or Works) is very constructive. Format your document by selecting the outline format from the format bullets menu. Use the increment or subtract indent buttons to navigate the level of importance you want to give each item. The software will accept care of the numbering for you!

After class exist sure to review your notes and then summarize the form in one or two short paragraphs using your ain words. This summary volition significantly impact your call back and volition help you lot set for the next class.

The Concept Map Method

This is a very graphic method of note-taking that is especially skillful at capturing the relationships amidst ideas. Concept maps harness your visual sense to understand complex material "at a glance." They as well requite you the flexibility to move from one idea to some other and back easily (so they are helpful if your instructor moves freely through the material).

To develop a concept map, start by using your syllabus to rank the ideas you will heed to by level of detail (from high-level or abstruse ideas to detailed facts). Select an overriding thought (high level or abstract) from the instructor's lecture and identify it in a circle in the middle of the folio. Then create branches off that circle to record the more detailed information, creating boosted limbs every bit you need them. Arrange the branches with others that interrelate closely. When a new high-level thought is presented, create a new circle with its own branches. Link together circles or concepts that are related. Use arrows and symbols to capture the relationship betwixt the ideas. For example, an pointer may be used to illustrate crusade or event, a double-pointed arrow to illustrate dependence, or a dotted pointer to illustrate impact or result.

As with all notation-taking methods, you should summarize the chart in one or two paragraphs of your own words after class.

The Cornell Method

The Cornell method was developed in the 1950s past Professor Walter Pauk at Cornell University. It is recommended by most colleges considering of its usefulness and flexibility. This method is simple to utilize for capturing notes, is helpful for defining priorities, and is a very helpful study tool.

The Cornell method follows a very specific format that consists of iv boxes: a header, two columns, and a footer.

The header is a minor box across the pinnacle of the page. In it you lot write identification information similar the course name and the date of the class. Underneath the header are ii columns: a narrow ane on the left (no more than one-tertiary of the page) and a wide 1 on the right. The broad column, called the "notes" cavalcade, takes up most of the page and is used to capture your notes using any of the methods outlined earlier. The left cavalcade, known every bit the "cue" or "recollect" cavalcade, is used to jot down main ideas, keywords, questions, clarifications, and other notes. Information technology should exist used both during the grade and when reviewing your notes after course. Finally, utilise the box in the footer to write a summary of the class in your own words. This will aid you brand sense of your notes in the future and is a valuable tool to assistance with retrieve and studying.

Using Index Cards for the Cornell Method

Some students like to use index cards to take notes. They actually lend themselves quite well to the Cornell method. Use the "back" or lined side of the carte du jour to write your notes in class. Use i carte per key concept. The "forepart" unlined side of the carte du jour replaces the left hand "cue" column. Use it after class to write keywords, comments, or questions. When you study, the cards become flash cards with questions on i side and answers on the other. Write a summary of the class on a separate card and place it on the peak of the deck as an introduction to what was covered in the class.

Y'all will take noticed that all methods end with the same stride: reviewing your notes as soon equally possible afterward grade. Any review of your notes is helpful (reading them, copying them into your computer, or even recasting them using another note-taking method). But Remember! Make your review of notes a thoughtful activeness, not a mindless procedure. When you review your notes, think nearly questions you even so have and determine how y'all volition get the answers. (From the side by side class? Studying with a friend? Looking upward textile in your text or on the cyberspace?) Examine how the fabric applies to the course; make connections with notes from other class sessions, with the textile in your text, and with concepts covered in class discussions. Finally, information technology'due south fun to think about how the textile in your notes applies to real life. Consider this both at the very strategic level (equally in "What does this material mean to me in relation to what I want to do with my life?") as well as at a very mundane level (equally in "Is there anything absurd here I can work into a chat with my friends?").

Instructor Handouts

Some instructors hand out or post their notes or their PowerPoint slides from their lectures. These handouts should never exist considered a substitute for taking notes in class. They are a very useful complement and volition help you ostend the accuracy of your notes, but they do not involve yous in the process of learning as well as your own notes exercise. Subsequently class, review your notes with a highlighter in hand and marking keywords and ideas in your notes. This will help you write the summary of the course in your own words.

Spotter this video from College Info Geek on How to Take Notes in Form.

General Tips on Note Taking

Regardless of what note-taking method you lot cull, at that place are some annotation-taking habits y'all should get into for all circumstances and all courses:

• Be prepared. Make sure you accept the tools you demand to do the job.
  • If you lot are using a notebook, be sure y'all have it with you lot and that you have enough paper.
  • Take a separate notebook or designated section for each form, so your notes from math aren't mixed in with your Art History notes.
  • Take a pen and perhaps a pen with different colored ink to use for accent.
  • If you are taking notes on your laptop, make sure the battery is charged! Select the application that lends itself best to your way of notation taking. Microsoft Word works very well for outline notes, but y'all might find taking notes in Excel to work best if you are working within the Cornell method. (Information technology's easier to align your thoughts in the cue or recall cavalcade to your notes in the right cavalcade. Just be certain y'all go on one idea per row!) Y'all can often find good note-taking templates online.
• Write on only one side of the paper. This will allow you to integrate your reading notes with your form notes. It will besides keep your notes much cleaner.
• Label, number, and date all notes at the superlative of each page. This will aid you keep organized.
• Leave space between topics. This will permit you to go back to a topic if the teacher re-visits it.
  • Leaving infinite between topics keeps your notes much cleaner.
  • Avert writing cramped writing in the margins by turning to a blank folio when your instructor switches topics.
  • This makes information technology much easier to locate specific topics when you are reviewing.
  • It is a squeamish visual representation of what topics your teacher spent the most time on.
• When using a laptop, position it such that yous tin can see the teacher and white board right over your screen. This will go on the instructor in your field of vision even if you have to glance at your screen or keyboard from time to time.
  • Make sure your focus remains with the teacher and not on your laptop.
  • A word of caution about laptops for note taking: utilise them if you are very adept at keyboarding, merely remember that not all note-taking methods work well on laptops because they practice not easily let y'all to depict diagrams and use special notations (scientific and math formulas, for instance).
  • Inquire your instructor before using a laptop for notation-taking. Not all professors let them.
• Don't endeavour to capture everything that is said. Listen for the big ideas and write them down.
  • Make sure you can recognize the teacher's emphasis cues and write downwardly all ideas and keywords the instructor emphasizes.
  • Listen for clues like "the iv causes were…" or "to sum up.…"
• Copy anything the instructor writes on the lath. It'due south likely to be important.
• Apply signals and abbreviations. Which ones you lot apply is up to you, but be consistent then you volition know exactly what y'all mean by "att." when you lot review your notes.
  • You may observe information technology useful to keep a cardinal to your abbreviations in all your notebooks.
• Use some method for identifying your own thoughts and questions to go on them separate from what the instructor or textbook author is saying. Some students use dissimilar color ink; others box or underline their own thoughts. Do whatsoever works for you lot.
• Create a symbol to use when yous fall behind or become lost in your notation taking.
  • Jot downwards the symbol, leave some infinite, and focus on what the instructor is covering now.
  • Later you can ask a classmate or the professor to help you fill in what you missed, or you tin can notice information technology in your textbook.
• Review your notes as soon later class as possible (the same day is all-time). This is the hugger-mugger to making your notes piece of work!
  • Use the call back column to call out the fundamental ideas and organize facts.
  • Fill in any gaps in your notes and clean up or redraw hastily fatigued diagrams.
• Write a summary of the principal ideas of the class in your ain words.
  • This process is a great aid to recall.
  • Be sure to include any conclusions from the lecture or discussion.
  • Pretend yous are writing the summary for someone else. This will make it clear and detailed.

Organizing Your Notes and Class Materials

The class is over, and y'all have a beautiful fix of notes in your screw notebook or saved on your laptop. Yous accept written the summary of the class in your own words. Now what?

Start by organizing your notes. We recommend yous utilize a three-ring binder for each of your subjects. Print your notes if you used a calculator. If you lot used note cards, insert them in plastic photo holders for binders. Grouping all notes from a class or unit together in a section; this includes class notes, reading notes, and instructor handouts. You might also desire to copy the instructor's syllabus for the unit of measurement on the offset page of the section.

Next, spend some fourth dimension linking the information across the various notes. Use the retrieve cavalcade in your notes to link to related information in other notes (e.g., "See course notes appointment/page").

If you accept had a quiz or examination on the unit, add it to your binder, also, simply be sure to write out the correct respond for any detail you missed. Link those corrections to your notes, too.

Use this opportunity to write "notes on your notes." Review your summary to run across if it yet is valid in light of your notes on the reading and whatsoever handouts you may have added to your notes package.

You don't need to become a pack rat with your notes. It is fairly safe to toss them later on the end of a class except in the following cases:

1. If the course you took is a prerequisite for some other course, or when the course is role of a standard progression of courses that build upon each other (this is very mutual in math and science courses), y'all should go along them as a reference and review for the follow-up course.
2. If the class may pertain to your future major, keep your notes. You lot may not realize it now that they may have future value when you lot study similar topics or even the same topics in more depth.
3. If you are very interested in the course subject and would similar to get into the material through a more advanced grade, independent written report, or even research, keep your notes every bit a prep tool for farther piece of work.

Lookout this video from College Info Geek on how to organize your notes and school files.

Key Takeaways

• Afterwards effective listening, good note taking is the most of import skill for bookish success.
• Cull amongst effective note-taking styles for what works best for y'all and alter it to meet the needs of a specific class or teacher.
• Outlines work well for taking notes on a laptop when the instructor is well organized.
• Concept map notes are good for showing the relationships amongst ideas.
• The Cornell method is effective for calling out key concepts and organizing notes for review.
• Instructor handouts and PowerPoint presentations aid with, but exercise not replace, personal annotation taking.
• Keep your notes organized in a way that makes it easy to written report for tests and other uses in the future.

Activity: JOURNAL PROMPTS ON NOTE-TAKING

1. Name 2 advantages of the Cornell arrangement over the list method of note taking.
2. Draw the benefits of—and potential problems with—taking class notes on a laptop.
3. Which annotation-taking arrangement is a skillful lucifer for each of your classes and why?

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Source: https://courses.lumenlearning.com/austincc-learningframeworks/chapter/chapter-11-note-taking-strategies/

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