2. Why Take Notes
Note-taking serves two main academic
purposes:
It provides a method to identify/predict what will
be on tests and puts that information in a format
that can be easily studied.
It provides a method for pulling together the
important information a student can use in writing
a research paper or preparing a speech.
3. Four Purposes for Notetaking
Provides written record for review
Forces listener to pay attention
Requires organization which involves active
effort from listener
Requires condensing and rephrasing which
aid understanding
4. Good Note-taking Suggestions
Label notes at top of page
Use separate notebooks for each class
Make notes legible
Use only one side of paper
Identify specialized vocabulary
Develop your own set of symbols
Leave blanks and/or lots of white space for filling in
information missed
Use telegraphic, not complete sentences (Provide the
maximum amount of information in the minimum
number of words)
Develop a relatively simple note-taking system you
will actually use
5. Characteristics of Any Good
Study Notes
They are short.
They use only one side of the paper.
They may be informal outlines.
They should be in your own words.
They should be developed using your own
style and your own system.
They should be written in ink.
They should show the different levels of
ideas.
6. When to take notes in a
lecture
When the instructor says “This is
important”
Anything written on the board
Anything put on the overhead
At non-verbal cues the instructor gives
7. Note-Taking Methods
The outlining method.
The Cornell method modified to T-Notes.
The mapping method.
The charting method.
Outlines and T-Notes are probably the most
versatile and can be used in almost any
situation.
8. The Modified Outline
Modifies the formal outline method by using
dashes or indentions instead of numbers,
letters, or Roman numerals.
Begins with the most general information on
the left (main idea) and indents to show
related major and minor details.
Main Idea
Major Detail
Minor Detail
9. Modified Outline Example
Extrasensory perception
definition: means of perceiving without use of
sense organs.
three kinds –
telepathy: sending messages
clairvoyance: forecasting the future
psychokinesis: perceiving events external to situation
current status -
no current research to support or refute
few psychologists say impossible
door open to future
10. T-Notes
Can be used in any note-taking
situation.
Draw a T on your paper with a 2.5 inch
margin on the left, leaving a 6-inch
area on the right.
Put the main idea in the left margin
area and related details on the right.
11. T-Note Example
Label Date
Characteristics 1. Uses as few words as
of any good possible.
Note-taking 2. Focuses on main ideas,
system major details, terms.
3. Are written in own words.
4. Are written on only one side
of paper.
5. Provides lots of white space
(skip lines between ideas.)
12. T-Note Example 2
Label Date
Extrasensory Definition: means of perceiving without
Perception use of sense organs
Three kinds:
Telepathy: sending messages
Clairvoyance: forecasting the future
Psychokinesis: perceiving events external
to situation
Current Status:
No current research to support or refute
Door open to future
13. Mapping Method of Note-
Taking
Provides a visual over-view of important
information.
Shows relationships among ideas.
Is easy to edit.
Appeals to visual learning styles.
Is not recommended for lecture notes,
but is helpful as text study notes.
14. Guidelines for Making Maps
Begin with what you consider the most
important idea as the “center” or “top” of the
map. Branch out from it to related ideas.
Write your ideas on lines that are connected
to other lines in order to express clearly the
relationship between various ideas.
Print ideas in ink and in capital letters so they
can be easily read.
16. The Charting Method of Note-
Taking
Useful for certain types of text notes.
Can help focus on facts and
relationships in preparing for tests.
Helps give an overview of information.
