|
Note Taking
There are many different techniques out there for
note taking and you will have to find the one that works best for you,
however it should encourage an active thinking part in the lecture.
·
DO NOT write down everything being said, and
don’t write notes just for the sake of writing notes. Learn how
to distinguish what is important and what isn’t.
·
Look for clues that the information is
important, for example if the professor repeats a point, writes it down,
moves closer to the class for emphasis, raises his or her voice or
gestures, or they simply say this is important, write it down
·
Sit in the front of the class if you find it
hard to concentrate
·
Put notes in your own words except for
formulas, definitions and specific facts and don’t change the meaning
of the material
·
Be brief, use phrases and key words, not
sentences
·
Indention helps indicate a major point, or
develop your own system (use a star or circle information)
·
Date your notes
·
Keep your notes in the same place and use
the same type of paper
·
Leave space for adding information when you
review the notes
·
DO NOT recopy your notes, this is a waste of
time – instead condense them into mind maps or cue cards for review
·
Review your notes often, arrive to class a
little early to review the previous lessons notes
·
If you use abbreviations make sure you are
consistent with what you use
·
If the professor mentions a page in the text
mark it in your notes to review
·
Look for meaning and implications
·
Write down any questions or mark area that
you need clarification on so you can ask your professor later
Please see the following
websites for examples of note taking styles and more information.
http://www.yorku.ca/cdc/lsp/notesonline/note4.htm
http://www.coun.uvic.ca/learn/notemake.html
|
