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