Study Skills Taking Notes Counselling Unit, UWI, Mona Taking Notes Two types of Note-taking processes • Taking notes in Lectures • Taking notes from reading The Note-Taking Process Flows Review Observe Notes Record Lecture notes Observe 1. Complete outside assignments 2. Be aware of the lecturer’s body language and facial expressions Observe 3. Ask questions if allowed 4. Be aware of what and how the lecturer emphasizes material 5. Listen for introductory, concluding and transition words/phrases Record • Cornell Format • Outline Format • Paragraph Format • Mind Maps Record • Create mind maps – Mind maps are visual patterns that provide a framework for recall – They work on both verbal and nonverbal levels – Creating a mind map helps you think from general to specific Record • Create mind maps Set the stage Observe Review Be here now Note taking Watch for clues Record Record • Create mind maps – Give yourself plenty of room – Determine the main concept of the lecture – Use key words only – Jazz it up – Create links – Combine formats Record • Use pictures and diagrams Lungs Tips for recording • Copy material from the board • Use a three-ring binder • Use only one side of a sheet of paper • Use a “lost” signal Tips for recording • Label, number and date all notes • Use standard abbreviations • Use complete sentences when material is important • Use tape recorders effectively and only with permission Review • • • • • Review within 24 hours Edit notes Fill in key words in left hand column Use key words as cues to recite Conduct short weekly review sessions Create Your Instructor • • • • • Research the instructor Show interest in class Take responsibility for your attitude Get to know the instructor better Open up to diversity Create Your Instructor • Separate liking from learning • Form your own opinion about each instructor • Seek alternatives • Avoid excuses • Submit professional work Review Notes • Review notes look like the notes you take in class • Use left column for key words and questions • Mind map summaries are useful for textbook reading • You can also outline textbook material or take paragraph-style notes Research Notes • Use 3x5 cards • Source cards • Information cards Power Process: “I Create It All” • Move from victim to victor • Don’t practice resignation: Take “response-ability” • Ask: How did I contribute to this outcome? “I Create It All” Means • Choosing your responses • Choosing your thoughts • Choosing your behaviors Power Process: “I Create It All” • Some cautions – – – – – Don’t blame (yourself or others) Don’t apply it to other people Don’t feel guilty It’s not a religion It’s not always about disasters: credit yourself for your success Master Student Oprah Winfrey “There is one irrefutable law of the universe: We are each responsible for our own life—no other person is or even can be.… If you’re holding someone else accountable for your happiness, you’re wasting time.” References Reference: Ellis, D. (2003) Becoming a master student (10th ed) Rapid City, SD. Haughton Mifflin Reference: Ellis, D. (1994) Becoming a master student (7th ed) Rapid City, SD. Haughton Mifflin