Teaching and Learning Education Centre Exam Preparation Teaching and Learning Education Centre

What is Note Taking and Why is it Important? Note-taking is the process of recording important information from lectures, seminars, readings and other sources and organizing them in a systematic way that is conducive to greater retention Note-taking strategies are an important part of effectively organising information and an essential step to successful studies

Method 1: Linear Linear note taking is the most common form of recording. Linear notes follow the order of the reading/ lecture Pros Cons Quick Needs to be reviewed Allows to process information at a later time Students tend to take down too many words without organisation

Traditional Linear Notes Organised Linear Notes Text Example Large-scale civil unrest was the second stimulus to the early development of conflict analysis and management. By the mid-nineteenth century, the industrial revolution had produced enormous demographic dislocations, extreme poverty, and a wide gulf between worker and owner. Karl Marx led a kind of conflict scholarship that produced credible and powerful analyses of conflict between classes. (Wehr 2002, p2) Example: Linear Traditional Linear Notes Large scale, civil unrest, second stimulus, early development, conflict analysis, management. Mid 19th C, industrial revolution, enormous demographic dislocations, extreme poverty, wide gulf between worker and owner Organised Linear Notes Dev. of C.A + M: Civil unrest (large) -> 2nd stimulus. Disparity b/ worker and owner by mid 19th C.

How to Improve Linear Note Taking Organise using headings and subheadings Leave plenty of space for additions Use shorthand and symbols

Method 2: Spidergram Spidergrams are a patterned way of linking related key points and concepts with a central focal point. Words, abbreviations, symbols and visuals are often used Pros Cons Can be organised onto 1 page Can be time-consuming How the information links back to the main concept can be clearly seen If a topic is complicated, it may be confusing for some Several connections can be made using simple lines Reflects the natural process of the mind

Example: Spidergram How to Improve Spidergrams Use colour codes to differentiate between quotes, concepts, definitions etc…

Method 3: Visual Outline Visual Outline is a method similar to a spidergram. It differs slightly in that symbols and pictures that are unique to the note taker are used Pros Cons Pictures and symbols can be used to represent a large piece of information Time consuming and sometimes distracting Often recommended for visual learners What the pictures and symbols represent need to be remembered

How to Improve Visual Outline Notes Example: Visual Outline In the visual outline method of note taking, pictures and symbols that trigger large chunks of information are used. In the example on the left, X denotes Karl Marx and a clip art image of Oliver Twist denotes financial disparity during the industrial revolution How to Improve Visual Outline Notes Use universal symbols Using a computer can make it easier (copy an d paste function)

Method 4: Cornell/ Split Page The split page/ Cornell method uses a margin to categorise sections using key terms and cues to organise information Pros Cons Reduces down information Photocopies/ ownership of notes/ readings is necessary Quick and effective for reviewing notes as large pieces of information are easily found

Example: Cornell/ Split Page How to Improve Cornell/ Split Page Notes Write a short summary at the end of the page Review notes to ensure cues are relevant

Method 5: Charting Charting is used to categorise specific information into tables or charts. It is often used when there is several pieces of information that share categories i.e. dates, place names Pros Cons Quickly links relationships Is not suitable for all readings/ lectures Encourages concise note taking

How to Improve Charting Notes Example: Charting How to Improve Charting Notes Print off a template of tables to save time

Tips to Improve Note Taking Always take notes of sources to avoid plagiarism Decide what format you will use (digital or paper) Gather tools (highlighters/ computer/ binders/ notebook) Start a new page for each section/class Date your work Review and organise your notes

Revision