NOTETAKING HINTS
 Be Prepared.
Do assigned reading; review previous lecture notes before class
Use 8 ½"
x 11" paper, record date, topic each lecture
Write legibly, recopying
is a waste of time
Use abbreviations
(formal or your own inventions)
Summarize.
Use own words whenever possible
Record anything written
on board
If lecturer refers
to test, jot it down
If you miss something,
leave a space. Ask instructor or student later
MAJOR
POINTS - Listen for them and make them STAND OUT! (should be written to left margin)
Watch for lecturer's CLUES:
May state
directly: "The main point is…" "I want to emphasize…"
May repeat information
May speak louder,
move forward, write on board
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
- Listen for details, examples, etc. (should be indented from major points)
Words that signal information:
Advantages
Types
Differences
Characteristics
Causes
Reasons
Etc.
FORMAT - Use
"Recall Column" and "Indentation" format
EDIT your
notes - ("fill in gaps" as soon after lecture as
possible-add information, expand examples, etc.)
RECALL COLUMN
- Used for studying, to assist memory-
fill-in words, key phrases, ideas, questions
NOTETAKING STRATEGY |
Preview
(to provide a mental set and aid understanding) |
Review old notes.
Read assignment before class. |
Select
(to help you get what is important on paper) |
Don't write it all. Get core ideas.
Listen and watch for instructor's cues as to what is important. |
Question
(to help you understand and remember) |
Question instructor OR self. Focus notes around questions. |
Organize
(to help you "picture" your notes and remember them) |
Use a format that is logical and useful for you.
See lecture as a gestalt (whole). |
Review
(to help you see how old lectures relate to new ones to aid understanding and
memory) |
Review notes immediately after class.
Edit notes by filling in missed words, getting main ideas on side column, etc. Write
down questions you have to ask instructor.
|
PROBLEM SOLVING STRATEGY |
| Situation |
What is the problem for which you have to come up with a solution? What
is really bothering you? |
| Options |
Brainstorm for all the different ways you could solve that problem. Write
down all your thoughts |
| Consequences |
Write down the consequences for each option you thought of. |
| Simulation |
Practice each option and feel the consequences. Eliminate options. |
| Decision |
Decide the best solution to the problem and ACT. |
|
