Note-Taking Skills

Purpose

    • You will save time if you are clear about what is required.
    • It is easier to work from notes that you have written rather than photocopied sheets.
    • Information is more easily remembered if you write it down.
    • Do not take notes too soon after reading. Let the meaning sink in first, before you put pen to paper.

    Skimming and Scanning

      • Before writing notes, follow the Skimming and Scanning rules looking at contents, title, topic sentences and key words.

      Guidelines

        • Be brief. Write down the main points and supporting information in words and phrases, not sentences.
        • Simplify ideas into your own words or even diagrams. If needed, copy a quote exactly, in different coloured pen and acknowledge the source.
        • Record information for bibliography: author, title, publisher, place and page.
        • Organise notes into a logical form. (see Methods)

        Forms

          • Develop your own system of abbreviations. c = with, imp. = important, # = number, C20 = twentieth century, cee = committee, > = greater than.
          • Use a new page for each new topic or new source.
          • Write on one side of the page only.
          • Space your notes; write on every second line.
          • Leave left hand side of page for key points and to note areas of difficulty.

          METHODS

          1. Outline. Use lettering, numbering, indentation and bullets to divide and summarise ideas.

            • Topic sentence or main idea.
                • Major points providing information about topic.
                    • Sub point that describes the major point.
                        • Supporting detail.

                        2. Questions. Asking the appropriate questions is the key to finding information. Who, What, Why, Where, When and How ? usually provide the answers to any query.

                        3. Mapping. Good for showing how information interrelates. Used for difficult concepts and the visuals are easily taken in for students with spatial memories. Mapping goes well with brainstorming and is sometimes called webbing. It helps to summarise information and to bring together information from different research sources.

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                        4. Charting. Best used where you have several types and different categories from different sources to bring together.

                        Animal

                        Habitat

                        Breeding

                        Prey

                        Distribution

                        Tiger

                         

                         

                        		        

                         

                        Panda

                         

                         

                        		        

                         

                        Rhinoceros

                         

                         

                         

                        		        




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