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You need to adapt your note taking style to suit your purpose. To do this, you will need to think critically, and be prepared, so that your notes are systematic, organised, and help you to effectively recall, understand and apply information. Note making is also an important step in developing your understanding.

Before Reading

Ask questions before you read:

  • Why am I reading this? What do I need to understand?
  • How does this information relate/compare to other topics and information?
  • What do I need to remember? What are the main points?

During Reading

Read actively and effectively:

  • Clarify your purpose.
  • Consult study guides and subject outlines.
  • Keep the main subject headings firmly in mind.
  • Turn chapter headings into questions.
  • Seek answers to these questions through your reading.
  • Always keep pen and paper handy – for note taking, and for highlighting main points.

After Reading

Evaluate the relevance and validity of what you have read:

  • Who is the author and what is their motive for writing this?
  • Who is the target audience? Is bias apparent?
  • What methodology has been used?
  • What conclusions are reached?
  • Does the author justify these conclusions?
  • How does the study relate to broader issues?

Strategic Note Taking

Always remember:

  • Your purpose – why are you taking down this information?
  • Effective layout – set up your page; use plenty of space; use graphic organisers (e.g. Concept Mapping) where appropriate.
  • Useful techniques – label everything; use your own shorthand; colour code your notes.

Making Sense of Notes: Note Making

Note making is the process by which you use the notes taken from readings, lectures and/or tutorials, and develop further understanding. It is:

  • Analytical – it helps you identify and select essentials.
  • Organisational – it allows you to rearrange notes to show how the essentials relate to each other, making them easier to remember.
  • Creative – it helps you to reorganise information in new and different ways.

Try the following process:

  • Note Shrink – identify the key points; transform your notes into something that makes sense to you; try concept mapping, tables, lists, etc.
  • Note Talk – use key words as cues; recite information aloud; use your own words; check for recall accuracy
  • Note Think – reflect; associate ideas with other readings/lectures; relate your understanding to your own experiences; reinterpret your experiences/previous readings to incorporate your changed understanding of how the world works
Remember to look at ‘Listening and Note Taking’ for more information about making strategic and useful notes.

 

Reference List

Cottrell, S. (2003). The study skills handbook (2nd ed.). London: Palgrave.

Wallace, A., Schirato, T. & Bright, P. (1999) Beginning university: Thinking, researching and writing for success. St Leonards, NSW: Allen & Unwin.

External Links

‘Note taking’ (James Cook University) www.jcu.edu.au/studying/services/studyskills/notetaking

‘Effective note-making from written text’ (University of New South Wales) www.lc.unsw.edu.au/onlib/notemake.html

‘Note taking – an introduction’ (University of New South Wales) www.lc.unsw.edu.au/onlib/note1.html