UCD Disability Support Service Note-taking UCD DSS Study Skills Sessions

2 Learning Outcomes Explore why you take notes Explore current note-taking strategies Explore types of note-taking Learn how to be a more effective note taker

3 Why Take notes? To record key ideas of a writer or speaker. To record sources of information To make links between ideas. To aid memory and recall To aid planning when writing To help ideas flow To organise information To aid revision To help understanding

4 Unique Features of Note Taking Abbreviated Personal In your own words Needs flexibility

5 Current Note Taking Style Exercise –Complete the handout: Rate your note taking –Rate 1 to 5 –1 - very happy –5 – very unhappy –Underline/highlight the areas you are least happy with- this is your starting point for improvement.

6 Types of Note Taking Linear –Prose –Summaries –Bullet points Patterned –Nuclear –Spider grams –Diagrams –Mind maps

7 Active Listening: Key Elements Plan Ahead –Review previous material Reduce distractions –Find a good seat Overview –Pay attention to overview of lecture Key words –Listen out for key words and phrases Body Language –Positive body language Ask Questions –To clarify, increase understanding, link new and old information Take notes

8 Active Listening: Before Lectures Ask yourself these questions: What do I want to get out of this talk, lecture or tutorial? How does it fit into my course? What do I already know about this topic?

9 Active Listening: During Lectures Ask yourself these questions: What is the main topic to be covered? What are the key points? Are there practical applications? Can I associate the information in order to aid understanding?

10 Active Listening: After Lectures Ask yourself these questions: How can I record the information to aid memory? What have I learnt? What do I not understand? What do I need to clarify? How does new information connect with my existing knowledge? What do I need to explore more to consolidate my learning? Where do I need to go for more information?

11 Features of Lectures Introduction (overview) Conclusion (review) Main Body Repetition –Key points Linking Expressions (see handout) –Conversely, also, most importantly, in brief…. Rephrasing of Ideas –Clarification and over learning Elaboration –Balanced argument

12 Techniques Use Key Words Use Colour Use Visual Images Highlight or Underline Key Points Use lots of space Use Bullet Points Use Patterns, shapes and/or symbols Use one side of the page Leave a large margin Use common Abbreviations

13 How to improve: Key Principles of Effective Note Taking Leave Spaces to fill in extra information or clarification Leave large margins for notes of association and linking ideas Always date and number notes Always write down name of lecture, lecturer, module and topic. Always note down references Abbreviate

14 How to improve: Key Principles of Effective Note Taking (cont) Summarise Ensure logical thread of lecture is noted Discuss lectures with peers Emphasise main points Use a contents page Use a Dictaphone if you have weak auditory learning style

15 Mind Maps (Michalko, ?) Activates whole brain Clears mental clutter Allows you to focus Demonstrates connections between isolated pieces of information Gives clear picture of details Gives “Big Picture” Allows grouping and regrouping of concepts Helps concentration thus enabling transfer form short term to long term memory

16 Mind Maps: 7 steps (Buzan, 2005) (see handout) Start at centre Use image/picture as central idea Use colour throughout Connect your main branches Make branches curved not straight Use one key word per line Use images throughout Exercise: Create a mind map of last lecture

17 Note taking from books Active Reading SQ3R Colour Highlighting Underlining Summarising – in own words Referencing

18 Recap Note-taking is an active process Note-taking requires organisation and planning Note-taking should be personal Note-taking should use –Colour –Highlighting –Underlining Note-taking should be systematic The type of notes you make should reflect your learning style.

19 References Buzan, T (2005) The Ultimate Book of Mind Maps Michalko, M (2001) Cracking Creativity Moran, A.P (2000) Managing your own learning The Open University Press (1990) The Good Study Guide Race, P (1992) 500 tips for students Cottrell, S (2003), The study skills handbook