ACADEMIC WRITING
NOTE- TAKING
What is note taking?
• It is the practice of writing down pieces of
information in systematic way.
EFFECTIVE NOTE TAKING
• Bailey (2015) holds that, notes are for your
personal use and it is important to create your
own format to help you understand your own
notes.
• Remember to always record the source of
information (+page no.).
Purpose of Note Taking
1. Provides a valuable resource for later review and
study
2. Forces the listener to pay attention
3. Allows an individual to capture, synthesize, and
retain important information
4. Enhances Learning: forces you to actively engage
with the material, aiding in comprehension and
retention
5. Personalized Learning: Your notes reflect your
understanding, making them a tailored study
resource.
Components of useful notes?
important
examples
definition of
terms
key concepts
and main
points
Any
references
provided
including
page
numbers
what
should
useful
notes have?
anything you
don't
understand
(difficult
concepts or
unfamiliar
terms)
your
thinking
or
questions
Effective Note-Taking Strategies
1. Choose the Right Medium and create
your own format
–Pen and Paper: Handwriting can
enhance memory and understanding
due to the physical act of writing.
–Digital Notes: Typed notes, but be
cautious of distractions
2. Active Listening
–Capture Key Points: Focus on main
ideas, supporting details, and
examples, rather than transcribing
everything.
–Ask Questions: Jot down questions
or areas of confusion to follow up
on later.
3.Use Abbreviations and Symbols
–Develop a System: Create your
own set of abbreviations and
symbols to save time while
note-taking.
–Consistency: Ensure your
symbols are consistent
4. Organized Structure
–Use headers and Subheadings to
denote different topics or sections,
aiding in quick navigation.
–Bullets and Numbering
5. Annotation
–Mark Important Points:
Underline, highlight, or use
sticky notes for key information.
–Margin Notes: Write questions,
comments, or personal
reflections in the margins.
6. Adapt to the Situation
–Different lectures or presentations
may require different note-taking
techniques, so be flexible.
7. Leave Space
• Leave gaps or margins in your notes
for later additions, questions, or
annotations that you may want to
include after the lecture
8. Mind Mapping:
• Create visual diagrams that show
relationships between ideas.
9. Chose an appropriate note-taking
methods
• Choosing an appropriate method for taking
notes is crucial for effective learning,
comprehension, and retention of information.
Different methods suit various learning styles
and contexts, so selecting the right method
can significantly impact your understanding
and recall of the material
10. Review and Consolidation
–Regular Review: Periodically revisit
your notes to reinforce memory.
–Summarization: Condense lengthy
notes into concise summaries for
quick revision.
Types of Note taking methods
Choose an effective note taking system i.e.
1. Cornell Method
2. Outline method
3. Mapping method
4. Charting method
5. Sentences or Paragraphs
1. Cornell method
• It was developed by Walter Pauk, a lecturer
at Cornell University in the united states for
his students in response to frustration over
student test scores.
• Meant to be easily used as a test study guide.
• Adopted by most major law schools as the
preferred note taking method.
Cornell method
• When to use: In any lecture situation. It is the
most useful method for students at university
METHOD
 Divide paper into three sections (2inch column on left - for “cues”; 6.5
inch “main space” on right – to
make notes; 2-inch column on
bottom to summarize.)
 IN OTHER WORDS: The left column
is used to enter key or cue words
while the right is the notes column
(for recording ideas and facts
• This method provides a systematic
format for organizing notes without
spending time on recopying.
• After writing the notes in the main
space, use the left-hand space to label
each idea and detail with a key word or
"cue."
 Keep notes during class in “main
space”/Each time instructor moves
to a new point, skip a few lines
 After class, complete phrases and
sentences as much as possible/write
“cues” in left hand column
Topic
Headings,
sub-headings,
Questions
First & Last Name
Class Title
Period
Date
Class Notes
2 1/2”
3 to 4 sentence summary across
the bottom of the last page of the day’s notes
summary
Strengths and weaknesses
• strengths:
• Organized and systematic for recording and
reviewing notes.
• Easy format for pulling out major concept and
ideas.
• Help you test-preparedness because writing
helps you to solidify information.
• with the captured information
• Saves time and effort.
• It is also known as a “Do-it-right-in-the-firstplace” method
• It is Simple and efficient.
• Stimulates critical thinking
• Weaknesses : None
Subject:
Why take Cornell notes?
P R OC E S S
(o u tp u t)
How can
Cornell notes
help me
organize my
ideas?
Date: 01/03/19
Main Id eas (in pu t)
CORNELL NOTES
~Can provide an outline of chapter or lecture.
~Useful when information is presented linearly
~Creates a useful study guide
~Can be as detailed as necessary.
Write
key questions?
…summary?
~After reviewing notes, write questions that are
answered by the information in your notes
~After writing questions, write a summary of what
you learned in three to four sentences that answers,
the question “What is/are…(Subject)?”.
six steps to Cornell note-taking:
• Record
• Reduce
• Recite
• Reflect
• Review
• Recapitulate
There are six steps to Cornell notetaking:
• Record During the lecture, record as many
facts and ideas as possible in the notes
column.
• Reduce After the lecture, read through
the notes taken and reduce to key words
and phrases, or questions.
• Recite the ideas and facts in the notes
column.
• It is important that you are not just
mechanically memorising, but using your own
words
• Reflect Based on the facts and ideas learnt,
reflect upon how this fits in with what you
already know, and how this knowledge can be
applied.
• Review On a frequent basis, review
your past notes by reciting and
reflecting upon them.
• Recapitulate: summarise and state
again the main points without
reading
2. outline method
• The outlining method is one of the most
common form of note taking used by
college students.
• It naturally organizes the information in
a highly structured and logical manner,
forming a skeleton
2. OUTLINE METHOD
• When to Use:
• if the lecture is presented in outline
organization.
• This may be either deductive (regular
outline -GS) or inductive (reverse outline
where minor points start building to a
major point-SG).
CAUTION
• This format can be most effective
when your note-taking skills are
super and sharp and you can handle
the outlining regardless of the notetaking situation.
Method
• Listen and then write in points in an
organized pattern based on space
indention.
• Major points should be placed farthest to
the left and then indent each more
specific point to the right in bullet form
• Levels of importance will be indicated by
distance away from the major point.
• Markings
are
not
necessary
as
space relationships will indicate the
major/minor points.
Strengths of outline method
• Well-organized system if done right.
• Outlining records content as well as
relationships.
• It also reduces editing and is easy to review
by turning main points into questions.
Weaknesses of outline method:
• Requires more thought in class for accurate
organization.
• This system may not show relationships by
sequence when needed.
• This system cannot be used if the lecture is
too fast.
Outline Notetaking
I. Why take Notes?
I. Main Points
A. Specific Points
-Instructors give additional information
-Notes serve as “information file”
-Facilitates learning
>active listener
>critical thinker
II. How to Prepare:
-Review syllabus
>course objectives
>topics to be covered
>dates of assignments/exams
>grading
-Relationship of class to textbook
1. “more” Specific Points
-Determine kind of testing
>multiple guess
>short answer
>essay
-Have a class buddy
-Pick a method i.e.
>Cornell
>Outline
>Mapping
>Charting
>Sentences/Paragraphs
Mapping Method
 Description:
A graphic means of representing information,
which relates each fact/idea to every other fact
or idea.
 When to use:
When lecture content is well organized
Often effective with guest lecturer and have no
idea how lecture will be presented
Effective if you are mainly a “visual” learner
Method
Determine the “subject/topic”. Write
this title in the center of page with a
circle around it.
As you major facts (subheadings) are
presented that relate to the
subject/topic, draw lines out from
the circle and label.
 As additional facts are presented that relate to
each subheading, draw these lines, linked to
appropriate major fact and label.
 Continue process as more defining facts or
ideas are presented.
Mapping
(continued)
Advantages:
Helps keep visual track of lecture
Relationships easy to see
Can cover lines for memory review
and relationships
 Disadvantages:
You may not hear changes in
content from major points to facts
Can be visually overwhelming
Recapitulate
I.
A.
B.
1.
2.
Supporting Ideas/Facts
(R7)
a.
Note taking
Additional facts/support
Subject/Topic
Subheadings/Major Ideas
Charting Method
Description:: A use of columns
with appropriate heading labels in
a table format i.e. material offered
in chronological order
When to use
• When test will focus on both facts and
relationships
• When you want an overview on one piece of
paper in sequence
METHOD
• Determine categories to be covered in a
lecture
• Set paper up ahead of time time by drawing
columns with determined categories as
headings for each
• Place information in appropriate column
Advantages
• Helps you track conversation and dialogues
where you would normally be confused and
lose out on relevant content.
• Reduces amount of writing necessary.
Provides easy review mechanism f
Disadvantages
• Few disadvantages except learning how to use
the system and locating the appropriate
categories.
• You must be able to understand what’s
happening in the lecture
EXAMPLE
Date:
Description When to use method
it
page no:
advantages
disadvanta
ges
Sentence/paragraph method
 Description:
Record of complete thoughts/concepts.
 Method:
Write every new thought, fact or topic
presented
Use a “new” line for each new
thought/fact
Number lines as you progress
Advantages
• Slightly more organized ie. paragraph.
• Gets more or all of the information.
• stimulates thinking
Disadvantages
• Can’t determine major/minor points from the
numbered sequence.
• Difficult to edit without having to rewrite by
clustering points which are related.
• Can’t determine major vs minor points from
numbered sequence
• Difficult to review
Sentence
1.We take notes: when instr. offers “new” ideas; to
facilitate learning and/or remember info.
2.To take notes need to prepare i.e. rev. syllabus;
compare txt /class; identify test types (i.e. mult. choice,
short ans. or essay); find a class buddy; develop ?
attitude and select effective method (i.e. Cornell,
Outline, Mapping, Charting, Sentence/Para.)
Numbered thoughts, facts or
Use abbreviations
ideas
to expedite
process
Sentence
1.We take notes: when instr. offers “new” ideas; to
facilitate learning and/or remember info.
2.To take notes need to prepare i.e. rev. syllabus;
compare txt /class; identify test types (i.e. mult.
choice, short ans. or essay); find a class buddy;
develop ? attitude and select effective method
(i.e. Cornell, Outline, Mapping, Charting,
Sentence/Para.)
Numbered thoughts, facts or
ideas
Use abbreviations
to expedite
process
Note Taking During Lectures
NOTE TAKING DURING LECTURES
During the lecture don’t focus on
getting and writing everything down
to the point of missing what the
lecturer is saying
Lecture slides should help you to note
down the key concepts, definition of
key terms and examples
• Remember that actively listening and
thinking are what is important..
• Most lecturers make their slides
available before or after class so
print them out and take additional
notes
THE PROCESS OF TAKING NOTES DURING
LECTURES
• Before the lecture
• During the lecture
• After the lecture
BEFORE THE LECTURE: BE PREPARED
• You need to be an effective listener and
develop interest in what you are going to
learn
• Know what the lecture will be aboutcheck the course outline
• Read any required reading
• If lecture notes are available
download them
• Set up note books
• Arrive on time and sit near the front
in order to take good notes you need
to hear and see clearly
DURING THE LECTURE: STRATEGIES
FOR EFFECTIVE NOTE TAKING
• Be ready to listen
• Concentrate and pay attention
• Develop an interest in the subject
• Don’t try to write down everything
said: you don’t have to transcribe the
entire lecture
How to recognise what is important in
a lecture
• Introductory remarks: this helps you to grasp
the big picture
• Verbal sign posts. Eg. “this is important”. Take
note. There are four main aspects
• Repetition:: important points will often be
repeated especially in introductions and
conclusions
Final remarks: most lecturers
conclude with a summary
• Look for non-verbal cues that
indicates something important is
being said
• Visual cues ( references to authors
and sources)
•
After the lecture
• review and re-engage actively with
them several times
• Read through your notes: make sure
they are clear and fix spelling errors
• Fill in missing words
• Code your notes. Eg. Lecture one
• Explain and clarify diagrams
• Identify anything that needs further
clarification
• Compare notes with a
partner or other students in
your class
• This can be a helpful
strategy, as different
students may focus or
emphasize different
concepts
•
Create “Assessment”
Questions
and
Follow-ups
Note taking from texts
Be Aware of Textbook Organization
• Select a book relevant to your
Question /research
• Skimand scan the book and chapter
1st.
• Skiming: reading rapidly in order to get
a general overview of the material/
book
• Scanning: reading rapidly in order to
find specific facts
• Look for the pattern in elements like
chapter /subsection headings, summary
points, graphics
• Determine if there is an index, a
glossary, and/or a summary at the end
of the chapter
Be an Active Reader
• Read and Increase how well your brain
retains
– If there’s a summary at the end of
the chapter, start there first to
stimulate your brain to what’s
important.
– Turn headings into questions
– Try to answer them mentally, then
find the answers and add
put them in your notes
Be an Active thinker
• Think about the reading
– Consider how the parts relate to the
whole; how the text relates to
previous ideas
– Create questions about new words/
terms, why emphasized points are
important
– Examine what you have
learned from visuals
Use the text style to identify important points
• Become familiar with the font, symbols,
borders, graphics, colors, and layout
that highlight main ideas or terms
• Be alert to the writer's goal: highlight
ideas/ references /opinions that seem
significant to their
point of view
Take notes while reading
• Include headings, key terms, &
graphics
• Take down only the important ideas:
brief, but clear
• Write potential test questions
• Summarize in your own words
• Use symbols for visual reminders
and emphasis
• Vary use of highlighing colors
•(Diff. color for examples, vocab…)
• Use textbook review study
questions
Review textbook notes
• Identify main ideas
• Supplement with details for better understanding
• Identify unclear information and/or questions collaborate for answers
• Write a summary
• Use discussion topics/questions organize your
notes
• Use symbols for important ideas
• Pay attn. to what remarks the
professor clearly approves of (even
your own) and write those down
• Develop questions to review later
• Add references to text examples as presented
• Jot ideas you want to share as they come to mind
Review
• Look over notes for at least 10 minutes
within 24 hours of taking them.
• Go back over notes regularly to
keep information and questions
still unanswered fresh in mind
• Recite information from
notes (as you’re walking around)
Make use of the Study Guides
You’ve Made
• Cover the right side of your notes;
review and answer study questions
• Write out answers for added
reinforcement
• Quiz yourself out loud
Write!
• Write summaries of the most important
material—esp. if you expect to have essay
questions
• Write anticipated test questions beyond
those already written (and then write out
answers)
• Write a quiz for others using
• notes; exchange and correct
Study in a Group
• Exchange notes with others to flesh
out information and understanding
• Chose someone to read the notes in
order to clarify meaning of certain
words and update the notes
• Use notes in study groups to provide a
common ground of material for reference
and review
• Rewrite notes if necessary
summary
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Reasons for taking notes
Component of notes
Sources of information
Note taking methods
Cornell note taking method
Outline method
Mapping
Charting
Sentence
Note taking during lectures
Tips on taking notes from the text books
Tips on taking notes during discussion
Tips on how to study the notes