Social Studies NOTETAKING SKILLS

Why am I taking notes? Taking notes aides in comprehension and retention of material, filtering key points, clarifying concepts and is another resource for review. Researchers found that 34% of what is taken in notes is retained, versus only 5% of items not found in notes. The percentage of true picture thinkers (those with a photographic memory) is very low. Take notes!!! You need a copy of your own notes in your class binder!!!

What do I write down? Key Points Key words What is written on the board Questions you need answered Repeated concepts or ideas Examples and Relationships Visuals/Diagrams Steps in a Process Key concepts and important details.

When the Teacher goes too fast Use Sym. & Abbr. This means “Use Symbols and Abbreviations” Use common symbols and/or Invent your own. Find a reliable study buddy and compare notes. Ask the teacher to slow down or restate something you missed. (Depending on the teacher, this may or may not work) Reconcille your notes if you can access them on-line (check my teacher blog).

Common Symbols ↑ increase + plus → leads to + and = equals ∴ therefore ÷ divide ˂ greater than ˃ less than ↓ decrease ↑ increase + plus → leads to + and = equals

Other Favorites ~ about/sort of +/- more or as/at/and W/ with W/o without % percent # number $ money Δ change ﺴﺳ instead of “ ? question A/b about B/c because Imp important

Common Abbreviations Eng. English Am. American Ave. Average Equiv. Equivalent Def. Definition Max. Maximum Min. Minimum Eg./Ex. Example Texting comes in handy!!! U cn crte U'r own abbr 4 athg U wnt. B sure U rem wht they mean 2 U!!! You can create your own abbreviations for anything you want. Be sure you remember what they mean to you!!!

Basics of Notes Organization 1. Always start on a new page 2. Use loose leaf paper for easy rearranging 3. Always date your notes and number the pages 4. Develop standard symbols for easier note taking 5.Leave blanks for additions later 6. Put questions/comments/ notes to self in margins. 7. Flag pages in textbook mentioned in notes.

Methods of Note Taking Complete Sentences/Lists Charts Cornell Notes 2 column Method REAP method Outlines Note cards Post-It Notes Graphic/Visual Notes Once you learn these methods, you can combine them into a system that works for you!!!

Complete Sentences/Lists Number your paper and write in complete sentences, leaving space between each item. Good method when there is lots of information and you don't know how it goes together You will need to review and reorganize notes after using this method.

Charts Set up paper in columns with heading for material covered in lecture. Fill in columns with info/examples/diagrams etc. Good for overviews of material Good for content presented quickly You have to know the headings at the beginning of the lecture Good for big picture. Less Writing Easy to review, memorize info., and compare relationships.

Cornell Notes Page divided by function (see image) Easy to Scan/Review Neat and Organized Makes a good study guide

2 column method Similar to Cornell Notes 2 columns (see image) Left column = Key words Right column = Description Good for review Easy to read

REAP Method 2 sheets (see image) Relate to your life Extend material to outside world Actualize material (how would it work in outside world) Profit from ideas (how will you and society profit?) REAP portion must be done shortly after taking notes. Work with a study buddy for memory triggers and REAP column.

Outlines Good for recopying and organizing notes During Lecture, develop a template before class Enter main topics from lecture and fill in supporting details Short phrases and symbols

Notecards Topic on front of card, description on back of card. Great for review and manipulation of material. Can color-code cards by subject/type of material, etc. Can be done during lecture or recopied from notes.

Post It Notes Similar to Notecard notes, but can be placed in text and as flags. Easy to manipulate and reorganize Easy to colorcode. Can be written during discussion, lecture, or after.

Visual Note Taking Graphic Organizers Mind Maps and Pictures Hi Lighting

Graphic Organizers Visual way of organizing information. Easy to see relationships and connections. Combines words, phrases, images, links in an organized and visually appealing way.

Mind Maps and Pictures Done on paper or with a program (freemind.com) Easy to see connections and relationships. Like graphic organizers but more interactive, less static.

Hi Lighting Combine with other note taking methods. Hi-light/color-code information for easier studying and memory recall. Key words/phrases/concepts

When Will I use my Notes? After the lecture: review notes, make corrections, reorganize/map (if necessary), identify things you don't understand. The more you review your notes, the greater your chances of retention of information. Create your own study guide.

What Works Best for Me? (Your education is in your hands! Or Make peace with your notebook!!) Your job is to find the method that works best for you and stick with it.

Resources ureNoteTaking/NoteTakingProcess.aspx ureNoteTaking/NoteTakingProcess.aspx Methods.aspx Source: Longman, D. and Atkinson, R. College Learning and Study Skills Wadsworth/Thomson Learning.