Note-Taking Goals (lectures)
identify the reason for taking notes
summarize effective note-taking habits
identify the action clues of instructors
identify and list verbal clues of instructors
explain how to take notes and learn using the Cornell Method of note-taking
describe how to take notes and learn with other note-taking methods
Listening Self-Check 1. I come prepared to meetings and classes with the tools for note taking. Y S N
2. I can pick out the important information from a lecture or meeting to take notes on. Y S N
3. I take notes from others using key words, not full sentences. Y S N
4. I abbreviate often when I take notes. Y S N
5. I frequently use my own words when taking notes. Y S N
6. I have occasion to take some form of notes while on the phone. Y S N
7. I know at least four effective note-taking habits. Y S N
8. I am aware of personality clues of speakers. Y S N
9. I am aware of verbal clues of speakers. Y S N
10. My class or meeting notes are easy to study and learn from. Y S N
Rate Yourself: Number of Y’s __________ X 100 = __________
Number of S’s __________ X 50 = __________
Number of N’s __________ X 0 = __________
Smart Tip
We remember:10% of what we read.20% of what we hear.30% of what we see.50% of what we see and hear.70% of what we discuss with others.80% of what we personally experience.95% of what we teach others.-- William Glasser, educational reformist
Reasons to take notes:
improves your concentration saves you review time helps you learn more improves test scores organizes the information and
establishes main ideas serves as visual reminders of what
was said
Tools for Note-Taking
three-ring binder 8 ½” x 11” lined paper summary paper – larger than 8
½” x 11” plain white paper erasable pens or dark pencils tape recorder
Effective Note-Taking Habits
pre-view reading before a class or meeting
start each day with a fresh piece of paper write on only one side of the paper always date and title every page write in the shortest form possible use abbreviations use key words use your own words
SLANT
Sit up
Lean Forward
Ask Questions
Nod and Smile
Track (follow speaker with eyes)
Instructor Personality Clues
1. they tell you it’s important2. they repeat information3. they write information on the
board or overhead4. they change their voice and facial
expressions5. they pause6. they use handouts
Instructor Verbal Clues
1. definitions2. description3. compare and contrast4. chronological order5. classification6. cause and effect
Predicting Test Questions
listen attentively observe instructor’s behavior take notes based on instructor’s
actions and verbal clues by paying attention to what the
instructor thinks is important you will be able to predict test questions know which areas to focus on during
your review time
Options for Note-taking
1. Cornell Format2. Two column notes3. Three column notes4. Index cards5. Formal outlines6. Mind maps
Cornell Format
1. draw a vertical line 2 ½” from the left edge of your paper
2. the body, or right-hand side of the margin, is where you write the bulk of your notes
3. the left column is used for information you want to recall and is based on the notes you took on the right side
Recall Column
used for information you want to recall
potential test questions about the notes
vocabulary terms restatement graphic signals
Cornell Reduce Step
Cornell Recite Step
Cornell Reflect & Recite Steps
take time to think about topic, relationships, and importance of the information
line up your recall columns to see an informal outline and overview of the chapter and your notes
write a summary at the bottom of your notes
write on back side of your notes
make lists of information write study questions add diagrams jot down questions for class
make study tools index cards visual mapping charts mnemonics
Two Column Note-taking System
simplified Cornell format
effective for textbook and lecture notes
cover one side recite check your accuracy
for feedback
effective for: factual information discussions math processes
Recite
Three ways…
Voc. word
Study ?
Formula
Record1.2.3.
Definition
Answer
Example
Two Column Note-taking System
(Modified version of Cornell notes)
Left column: terms to define and questions to answerRight column: notes about the terms and answers to thequestionsUse two-column notes for:
terms and definitions questions and answers formula, steps, equations and examples of problem-
solving category of information and list of items in the category heading for notes and a list of notes concepts/main ideas and facts, explanation, examples
Three Column Note-taking System
identify labels for each column
work with all three columns cover recite check your accuracy
use for: textbook lecture math notes
Topic
Topic
Problem
Problem
Source 1
Definition
Rework
Steps
Source 2
Example
Solution
Example
Three Column Note-taking System
Left column: terms, questions, concepts, or problems
Middle and right column: two kinds of information for the item in the left column
Use three-column notes for: Math problem + steps to solve + explanation/rule Topic/concept + textbook information + lecture
information Topic/concept + definition/description +
applications/details Math problem + space to rework + steps to solve Topic + one source of information + second source Term/concept + examples + explanations
Index Card Note-taking System
Index Card Note-taking System
carry your index study cards with you use cards for quizzing use them as warm-up activity at beginning
of study block study from the front side of your cards study from the back side of your cards sort cards into two piles:
ones you know ones you need to study further
create reflect activities with your note cards
Formal Outline
most important ideas are closer to the margin supporting ideas and details are indented and
further away indenting too much will cause you to run out of
space indicate new details by using numbers and
letters or symbols keeping similar items lined up makes notes
easier to read skipping lines between main ideas gives
flexibility to add to or change notes
Studying from an Outline
read one line or item at a time; explain by reciting
check for accuracy or completeness
add clue words to the right of lines or items
repeat process of reciting from outline
use the outline to write a summary
Mind Mapping
organizes ideas through visual patterns
natural associations through clusters or groups
each cluster creates a visual picture which helps with memory
able to see the ‘big picture’, the connections and the relationships
Mind or Visual Map
Sequential Mind Map
Random Mind Map
Studying from Mind Maps
imprint or memorize the basic structure (the skeleton) in your visual memory
then, visualize the skeleton of your notes name the first two levels of information and then
recite the details for each heading without looking at the printed form
use reflect activities for elaborative rehearsal use ongoing review to mentally rehearse, recite,
and review your visual notes
Note-Taking Goals (reading)
discuss the importance of reading actively
define highlighting and explain the most effective way to use it
distinguish between two types of margin notes and explain how to use them
describe full notes and discuss when to use them
Reading Self Check 1. The notes I take from reading are easy to study and learn from. Y S N
2. When reading material that I need to learn or refer to later, I usually take some form of notes Y S N
3. I know how to study without a lot of rereading. Y S N
4. I take notes from reading using key words, not full sentences. Y S N
5. I mark areas I don’t understand in my text so I can ask questions
about them. Y S N
6. I know how to use a highlighter effectively. Y S N
7. I know how to create margin notes. Y S N
8. I can locate the important information from reading material and take effective notes. Y S N
9. I use note taking as an active way to concentrate and learn when I read. Y S N
10. I learn more when I take effective notes. Y S N
Rate Yourself: Number of Y’s __________ X 100 = __________
Number of S’s __________ X 50 = __________
Number of N’s __________ X 0 = __________
Learning Staircase
ACTIVE Full Notes
Margin Notes Effective Highlighting
Reading Actively Just Reading
PASSIVE
Reading Actively
reduces mind wandering while learning
at the same time
uses some or all of the following:1. pre-viewing the chapter2. reading key words3. reading phrases4. reader with a pacer5. adjusting reading speed to
content
Effective Highlighting
1. read a complete paragraph or section before highlighting anything
2. never highlight more than a few words or a phrase at a time
3. decide what is most important4. can also be done with
bracketing
Highlighting Example (bad)
Ergonomics [“ergon” (work) + “nomos” (natural laws] is the science of work. Specifically, it is the science that addresses people’s performance and well-being in relation to their job tasks, their equipment, and their environment. The key to understanding the true value and role of ergonomics is knowing that an organization’s most important resource is people. Therefore, anything that contributes to the performance, health and well-being, and commitment of the workforce is important to both the employer and the employee. ERGONOMICS IN THE OFFICE ENVIRONMENT As you might expect, ergonomics has become increasingly important in automated office environments where more and more workers are using computers as a tool for completing job tasks. Recently, several important organizations have endorsed ergonomics as a means of meeting the needs of workers in automated offices. For example, ergonomics has been endorsed as a solution to the problems of desktop computer users by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), the American Medical Association (AMA), and the World Health Organization (WHO). In a 1987 directive, OSHA made ergonomics and ergonomic training a priority. OSHA states, “…the most fundamental strategy is to promote workplace education and awareness programs aimed at the maintenance of musculoskeletal health and the prevention of injuries.” In addition, the OSHA model curriculum now includes ergonomics as one area to be included in a course of study on both the graduate and undergraduate levels.
Highlighting Example (better)
Ergonomics [“ergon” (work) + “nomos” (natural laws] is the science of work. Specifically, it is the science that addresses people’s performance and well-being in relation to their job tasks, their equipment, and their environment. The key to understanding the true value and role of ergonomics is knowing that an organization’s most important resource is people. Therefore, anything that contributes to the performance, health and well-being, and commitment of the workforce is important to both the employer and the employee. ERGONOMICS IN THE OFFICE ENVIRONMENT As you might expect, ergonomics has become increasingly important in automated office environments where more and more workers are using computers as a tool for completing job tasks. Recently, several important organizations have endorsed ergonomics as a means of meeting the needs of workers in automated offices. For example, ergonomics has been endorsed as a solution to the problems of desktop computer users by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), the American Medical Association (AMA), and the World Health Organization (WHO). In a 1987 directive, OSHA made ergonomics and ergonomic training a priority. OSHA states, “…the most fundamental strategy is to promote workplace education and awareness programs aimed at the maintenance of musculoskeletal health and the prevention of injuries.” In addition, the OSHA model curriculum now includes ergonomics as one area to be included in a course of study on both the graduate and undergraduate levels.
Creating Margin Notes
1. read a complete paragraph or section before writing anything
2. decide what is most important3. use your own words, key
words, and abbreviations
Summary-in-the-Margin Notes
A summary is a brief statement or restatement of main points.
a shortened version of what you consider important in the text
write this summary in the margin of the book in the appropriate spot
Question-in-the-margin Notes
summarizes the important ideas as questions, similar to what might be found on a test written in the margin of text
answer to each question is easily found by rereading the text next to the question
Studying with Margin Notes
Margin notes force you to:
concentrate on what you are reading
focus on what is really important
reduce your study time when you review
Taking Full Notes
top step on active learning staircase
most time consuming
used for technical or difficult material
taking all your notes on paper instead of highlighting the textbook
Taking Full Notes (cont’d)
recreate the author’s outline in the recall column on the left side margin
fill in the important details in the body of notes on the right side margin
full notes can also be taken in the form of a mind map using unlined paper