Study Skills Taking Notes Counselling Unit, UWI, Mona

Taking Notes Two types of Note-taking processes Taking notes in Lectures Taking notes from reading

Review Record Observe Notes The Note-Taking Process Flows

Lecture notes Observe 1.Complete outside assignments 2.Be aware of the lecturer’s body language and facial expressions

Observe 3. Ask questions if allowed 4. Be aware of what and how the lecturer emphasizes material 5. Listen for introductory, concluding and transition words/phrases

Record Cornell Format Outline Format Paragraph Format Mind Maps

Record Create mind maps –Mind maps are visual patterns that provide a framework for recall –They work on both verbal and nonverbal levels –Creating a mind map helps you think from general to specific

Note taking Record ObserveReview Be here now Set the stage Watch for clues Record Create mind maps

Record Create mind maps –Give yourself plenty of room –Determine the main concept of the lecture –Use key words only –Jazz it up –Create links –Combine formats

Lungs Record Use pictures and diagrams

Tips for recording Copy material from the board Use a three-ring binder Use only one side of a sheet of paper Use a “lost” signal

Tips for recording Label, number and date all notes Use standard abbreviations Use complete sentences when material is important Use tape recorders effectively and only with permission

Review Review within 24 hours Edit notes Fill in key words in left hand column Use key words as cues to recite Conduct short weekly review sessions

Create Your Instructor Research the instructor Show interest in class Take responsibility for your attitude Get to know the instructor better Open up to diversity

Create Your Instructor Separate liking from learning Form your own opinion about each instructor Seek alternatives Avoid excuses Submit professional work

Review Notes Review notes look like the notes you take in class Use left column for key words and questions Mind map summaries are useful for textbook reading You can also outline textbook material or take paragraph-style notes

Research Notes Use 3x5 cards Source cards Information cards

Power Process: “I Create It All” Move from victim to victor Don’t practice resignation: Take “response-ability” Ask: How did I contribute to this outcome?

“I Create It All” Means Choosing your responses Choosing your thoughts Choosing your behaviors

Power Process: “I Create It All” Some cautions –Don’t blame (yourself or others) –Don’t apply it to other people –Don’t feel guilty –It’s not a religion –It’s not always about disasters: credit yourself for your success

Master Student Oprah Winfrey “There is one irrefutable law of the universe: We are each responsible for our own life—no other person is or even can be.… If you’re holding someone else accountable for your happiness, you’re wasting time.”

References Reference: Ellis, D. (2003) Becoming a master student (10th ed) Rapid City, SD. Haughton Mifflin Reference: Ellis, D. (1994) Becoming a master student (7th ed) Rapid City, SD. Haughton Mifflin