1. How to make notes from your reading and lectures
Presentation by
UWE Library
Learning Services
2017 / 2018

2. Learning outcomes
At the end of the session we hope that you will feel more confident about:
Selecting what to read
Making effective notes while reading
Taking effective notes from lectures
Academic skills are real world skills:
Reading effectively to understand case or project notes
Taking minutes at meetings

3. Selecting what to read Recommended Reliable Recent Relevant
Plan your reading
4 Rs
Activity 1: Selecting what to read
Recommended
Reliable
Recent
Relevant

4. Active reading What is active reading? Scanning and skimming
Topic sentences
Activity 2: Reading techniques
Critical reading

5. SQ3R method
Activity 3: Video

6. SQ3R in practice Reference Main point Supporting detail
Critical thoughts
Activity 4: SQ3R practice

7. Taking notes SQ3R notes Linear notes Mind maps Tables Cornell notes
Dictation

8. Making notes while reading
Do…
be brief and organised
use your own words
use shortcuts
make connections
use colour, underlining
check sources / quotes are accurate
add your critical thoughts
Don’t…
write too much
copy from the text
(just) highlight photocopies and class handouts

9. Before the lecture
Before
During
After

10. Before the lecture

11. During the lecture Before During After
The future of good food in China - Matilda Ho [5:04]
How I fell in love with quasars, blazars and our incredible universe - Jedidah Isler [04:19]
Why do I make art to build time capsules for my heritage - Kayla Briet [05:56]
How to use a paper towel - Joe Smith [04:31]
Physical therapy is boring - play a game instead - Cosmin Mihaiu [05:57]
How can groups make good decisions? Mariano Sigman and Dan Ariely [08:37]
Keep your goals to yourself - Derek Sivers [03:15]

12. After the lecture
Before
During
After

13. Summary We hope that you now feel more confident about:
Selecting what to read (4Rs)
Active reading (Skimming, scanning, topic sentences, critical reading)
Styles of notes (SQ3R, Cornell, mind maps and linear notes)
Lecture strategies (predicting and reviewing)

14. Further help Reading and note taking workbook
Online advice and tutorials: Reading and note taking
Audio recording lectures and seminars
Assistive software
Books and ebooks: Study skills
Ask a Librarian

15. Other workshops