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Taking and making notes

Now that you are at University, you may be wondering about the value of notes and just how many you need to take. You could keep in mind an old Chinese proverb that states,

'The palest ink is better than the sharpest memory.'

So, yes, there seems to be sense in taking and making good notes. Why?  Because:

1. They help you concentrate on the subject in hand.
2. They may form a link between the new knowledge and what you already know.
3. They help you understand because you put ideas into your own words and/or diagrams.
4. They let you review the lecture and use it for revision purposes.

Concentrate – link – understand – review

OK. So you are in a lecture room. Before you start writing—

Stop and think:

Why are you there? Why is the lecturer lecturing?

Does s/he want you to:

1. Think about the subject and then do further reading (likely in arts subjects)?
2. Listen to the facts and research findings, knowing it is difficult for you to find that information elsewhere (likely in science subjects)?

also

How important do you think notes are to that lecturer? Do you:

1. Need all of his notes to pass the exam/assignments?
2. Need just basic details (the full notes are available on the web) and you will only get these if you attend the lectures?
3. Need to attend the lecture to get ideas and guidelines to 'think original thoughts' which is what the lecturer is looking for in the exam/assignments?

Try to find out as much as you can, as this will help you with your note-taking.

Remember too you should read up in advance to become familiar with main topics, key words and new or difficult words you will meet in the next few lectures.

How to take notes from a speech

1. Always head your notes with the date of the lecture, etc. and give it a heading, e.g. the name of the lecturer, or the subject being covered in that particular lecture.
2. Write on one side of A4 paper only and leave gaps so that you can add to or expand your notes later on.
3. Develop your own shorthand for notes. There is no need to write in every 'a', 'the', 'an', etc. but it is important to put in 'ands' and 'buts'. You can also use abbreviations for words like before (B4), compare with (cf), etc., as well as using your own abbreviations for common words in your chosen topics.
4. Make sure you write down key words and phrases representing key themes being developed in the lecture.
5. Listen for key words and phrases, e.g. "There are four reasons for...", which means you should hear four separate things, or "for instance" when you should hear an example. These are useful indications of things to remember or examples to quote back. Or maybe the words mean a summary is to follow, e.g. "To conclude..." or "the important points you need to know are..."And also listen for words that might indicate a change of direction, e.g. "however..." or "on the other hand..."

How to make notes from written sources

You will also have to make notes in your own time from written sources, e.g. textbooks, journals, a video, the web, handouts, etc.

Some useful tips for this include:

1. Highlight and underline key words and main ideas. If you are using a book to do this and you don't own it, use a plastic overlay over the page and highlight key words, etc. on that using a water soluble pen. Use these words as a basis for your notes. Try to avoid too much writing in margins of your own textbook, as that can be distracting.
2. If it's a library book or other borrowed material, photocopy relevant pages and again highlight main points.
3. To remember your lecture notes effectively, you must get into the habit of writing up your notes the day you take them, and this will give you a full record for the future. Remember that research has shown that 24 hours later you have only retained 20% of what you have learned unless you review. Writing up your notes is a good way of reviewing. But don't just copy them down again the way you have written them. Re-write where notes are incomplete, fill in any gaps as you remember points made, and find answers to any unanswered questions. If taking notes from a video in lectures, do not spend too much time writing notes. Jot down the main points as headings and add more detailed information as soon as possible after viewing.

How can I write up my notes?

You need to constantly review your notes, so they need to be in a style that works for you. If possible, they need to appeal to you and make you want to read them!

So you can use pictures, symbols, diagrams, etc. You can leave lots of spaces. You can use different colours for different important points. You can try using different formats for your notes, e.g. linear notes with main headings, things underlined, etc. You could use mind maps or spider diagrams. You could use a flow chart. You could read your notes aloud, recording them to a tape. You could write your notes out several times using different formats.

The main points to remember are:

1. Always think about why you are taking notes and do not try to write down everything.
2. Remember the key words which act as important reminders.
3. Do write up notes on a daily basis. Exams or that assignment may seem a long way away but your course will pass quickly and poor notes can cause panic and stress later.
4. The notes are no good either, unless you organise them and file them. So, be organised. Use different coloured files for different subjects, use dividers, and use an index in the files. Transfer brief notes and pointers onto revision cards as you progress through the course. Index cards can be used for this and can be stored in coloured boxes (or shoe boxes) according to subject.

And always remember

In all aspects of study—

Use your strengths.

Think positive!

Produced by Janice McGregor for Student Services