NOTE TAKING
There are basically two types of note taking that a student will be faced with:
1. Making notes in class
2. Making notes as a result of private study and reading
There are many ways of writing notes, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, and it
is best to try them all to see which method works for you. Certain subjects or topics may lend
themselves to one particular method. The most important point is that they are useful later
when you wish to re-use them.
Why make notes?
1. Notes make you concentrate on what you are learning
2. Notes make you put ideas into your own words and so aid understanding
3. Notes help you remember things better
4. Notes are excellent for revision
TAKING NOTES IN CLASS - HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR TECHNIQUE
Thankfully, fewer and fewer educators dictate notes these days, realizing that dictation goes
from ears to hand without stopping in the brain in between! However, many adopt a lecture
style where students are required to take notes. In such a situation the following may be
helpful:
1. Don't try to write down everything the educator says
2. Concentrate on picking out the relevant points only
3. Write notes in point form with separate sub headings
4. Develop your own shorthand (see examples below)
5. Leave plenty of space between your notes for later additions
6. Jot down any references given in class to read later
7. Number any handouts issued with a corresponding number in the relevant place in your
notes
8. Underline key phrases in red, or with a highlighter pen
9. It is always advisable to date and number each sheet of A4 as you use it
10. Before your next lesson expand on your class notes from text books, etc. using the tips
given below
11. Finally, always ask the teacher for a further explanation if there is something you do not
understand - you can be sure there is someone else in the class who has difficulties too!
TAKING NOTES FROM WRITTEN SOURCES - HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR
TECHNIQUE
The next stage is to make a written record in note form using the appropriate method for you.
Below are 5 possible methods you may wish to try:
1. MAKING NOTES ON BOOKS OR HANDOUTS
Advantages
Quick
Key phrases can be underlined
Comments can be added in the margin
Disadvantages
Can only be used if you own the book!
You haven't summarized points in your own words to reinforce understanding
It is very difficult to revise from these notes later; you will probably have to re-read the
whole book/article
In summary, quick in the short term only.
2. MAKING SUMMARY NOTES OR A PRÉCIS
This involves reading all the information, working on each paragraph in turn, re-writing in your
own words. A brief introductory and concluding paragraph is advisable.
Advantages
Detailed notes obtained
Helps to develop your written style
Disadvantages
Time consuming
Continuous prose is difficult to revise from
The salient points do not stand out easily
In summary, a useful exercise but not 'user friendly' in the future.
3. SPRAYS
This involves quickly jotting down all your ideas on a subject and linking them up.
Advantages
Very quick
Good practice for essay plans in the examination
Makes you think analytically
Disadvantages
May not be suitable for more complex notes
Could be difficult to revise from later
In summary, very useful in organizing thought processes, especially in the exam room but has
limitations for general use.
Example: A spray about the effects of a strong £
Practice this technique by making a spray about regional unemployment problems
4. VISUAL AND PATTERN NOTES
This method involves using flow diagrams or 'concept trees' (another name for pattern notes)
to record information.
Advantages
Can sum up many pages of written notes
You concentrate on the fundamentals
Very active form of learning
Visual images are a great aid to recall
Add a 'fun' element to note taking
Disadvantages
Could be too absorbing!
May be difficult to express more complex ideas clearly
In summary, a valuable supplement to 'linear notes'.
5. LINEAR NOTES
This method involves reorganizing information in a written format using your own shorthand
and personal style.
Advantages
Makes you think analytically
Aids your understanding
Simple to revise from and use later
Disadvantages
Initially quite time consuming
Doesn't aid visual memory like pattern notes
In summary, initially takes some thought and time but probably most useful method for
expressing complex ideas clearly.
Some useful tips!
Use titles, subtitles and bullet points
Avoid lengthy prose
Underline key points in red or with a highlighter
Produce a summary list/table at the end of a section
Don't be afraid to produce tables e.g. Advantages & Disadvantages of...
Include topical examples and case study references in your notes as you go along but
remember you would only have time to write a paragraph in an examination answer so
this is how long it should be!
Write memory jogs to yourself in the margin e.g. 'Good diagram p 146 in
Book X'
Develop your own shorthand; useful abbreviations include:
B
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T
h
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f
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I
n
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C
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U.E. Unemployment
i.e. I
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A
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=> Leads to
Note-Taking:
Taking notes while listening to a lecture or talk is a very useful study skill to
be developed. Thenotes taken can be referred to whenever required (e.g.
to prepare for an examination).
Thoughts can be organized better while taking notes because, as you listen
you will be considering the points made by the speaker and be arriving at
your own conclusions on what isbeing listened to.
Points to remember:
1. Always carry a notepad / note-book and a pen with you whenever you
attend a lecture.
2. Listen to the lecture attentively.
3. Do not write down everything that the speaker says. Take down
only the importantpoints and clues.
4. Remember that the speaker draws your attention to the main
points by repeating the main points, by making pauses and by
raising his / her tone on those points.
5. Develop your own note-taking style.
6. Use a phrase or a word or an abbreviated form of a word rather than a
sentence.
7. Remember, taking notes as you listen is an active process, so keep
your mind focused. Follow a patterned note-taking or diagrammatic
form of note taking. E.g. you may make notes points-wise or in a
tabular form or in the form of a tree diagram. See that you are able
to later on comprehend what you’ve written.
