Study Skills Study Skills Study Skills Study Skills

Taking NotesTaking Notes

Counselling Unit,UWI, Mona

Taking NotesTwo 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

Observe3. 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

Observe Review

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 StudentOprah 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.”

ReferencesReference: 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