…pretty much every career that exists. Note-Taking An important skill for students, business professionals, farmers, auto mechanics, home inspectors, lawyers, nurses and doctors, writers, teachers, politicians, bricklayers, research scientists, professional athletes, secretarial staff, military officers, entrepreneurs, firefighters and police officers, news reporters, financial advisors, tech designers, ministers, marketing, construction, prison guards, archaeologists, event planners and caterers… …pretty much every career that exists.

How? How you take notes depends on BOTH the setting and the content being covered. classroom lecture, online video, reading a textbook, group/team meeting, interview, etc. science, math, history, business Your goal is to recognize and develop note-taking skills for ALL situations you encounter.

Lecture Notes Learning to take quality notes during a classroom lecture is a valuable skill. This directly relates to note-taking in business meetings, training courses, conferences, interviews, discussions with patients or customers, field research, etc. Two great reasons to take notes: It keeps you more focused on the lecture/meeting. You don’t have to rely only on your memory later.

First Question: Type or Write? Write on paper maximum flexibility (write words, draw pictures and arrows, work anywhere on the page) helps maintain focus/concentration research has shown that hand writing notes increases content recall and comprehension vs. electronic note taking Type on laptop or tablet can capture lots of info very quickly notes are stored electronically less thinking required, so less learning/ processing occurs Write on tablet flexibility of writing can type when speed is needed notes are stored electronically process can be complex and cumbersome

What do I record? SUMMARY of things on board Key words or phrases Equations Examples Make a note (something quick: a star, highlight, etc.) of items marked by signaling phrases like “this is important” or “this will be on the test” things repeated items emphasized by voice or body language Make a note (in a different way from above) of items you don’t understand and need to study/investigate

Note Taking Styles Any method that allows you to record important info in a way that you can understand later is an effective style of note taking. Different situations may need different note taking methods. Try out different methods and be willing to switch between them as needed. Four popular, effective note taking styles: Cornell Notes Outline Notes Concept Mapping Sketch Notes

Cornell Notes Divide your paper into three sections: a thin column on the left a wide column on the right a small section at the bottom Notes during lecture are recorded in wide column Thin left column is for key words and questions. Can be used during lecture and AFTER lecture After lecture, a brief summary should be written in the bottom section

Outline Notes Write main topics on the far left of the page Add subtopics as indented bullet points Further indent to add facts, details, equations, etc. associated with the subtopic

Concept Mapping Similar to outline notes in that main ideas, subtopics, and details are identified Instead of writing linearly down the page, main ideas are the center of a web subtopics radiate out from the main idea facts, details, equations, diagrams are arranged around the subtopics Look for and note connections between ideas

Sketch Notes Note taking emphasized with shapes and doodles Make your notes eye-catching by: Varying your writing style Use different bullet shapes and/or frames to indicate connected topics Use arrows to show connections and relationships Add simple doodles that connect to and illustrate concepts. Develop your own symbol library over time.

Mix styles together Find the note-taking method that works best for the setting! Divide page Cornell Notes style. In notes section, record in outline style. In outline notes, draw connections lines as in concept mapping. Add sketches to any other note taking style.

After the Lecture: Reread and Annotate!!! Most people don’t complete this step, but it’s really, REALLY helpful. As soon as possible after the lecture reread and add additional info to your notes: anything else you remember from the lecture details from lecture slides if posted online add emphasis and organization (highlight key terms and equations, label sections with headings, mark subtopics/details with bullet points, etc.). jot down questions you still have.

Do’s and Don'ts DON’T avoid taking notes If you prefer not to take notes during lecture, record notes later that day from what you remember and/or from slideshows posted online. DO write neatly and in a legible color DON’T write down every word Summarize what the lecturer says in your own words. DO learn to use abbreviations and symbols DO highlight key words, phrases, and equations DO organize your notes At the top of each page, record the date and/or topic.

Video Lectures The obvious difference (compared to a live lecture) is that a video can be paused to give you time to think, write, or take a break. Watch a video twice: Once, just watch and listen. Take no notes. People often miss important visual details because they are focused down on their notes. Constant pausing disrupts the flow of the content, affecting understanding and retention. Watch again, this time recording notes.

The importance of note taking in careers: https://www.cambridgenetwork.co.uk/news/the-importance-of-note-taking/ Note taking tips: https://www.educationcorner.com/note-taking.html https://www.society19.com/note-taking-tips-for-college-students/ http://livingthegraylife.com/2016/04/05/college-note-taking-tips/ More info on various note taking styles: https://medium.goodnotes.com/the-best-note-taking-methods-for-college- students-451f412e264e https://www.goconqr.com/en/examtime/blog/4-note-taking-strategies/ https://chloeburroughs.com/choose-best-note-taking-method/