Note Taking – Why Take Notes?

Note Taking – Why Take Notes?

• Main Purpose: To record and remember key information.
• Common Reasons for Note-Taking:
  • Summarize key points from books, articles, lectures, meetings, etc.
  • Provide sources for future reference.
  • Deepen understanding of a topic.
  • Assist with memorization and exam preparation.

Tip: Before taking notes, clarify why you need them and how you plan to use them (e.g., preparing a presentation, writing a report). This focus ensures you capture only the most relevant information.

Note-Taking Techniques

1. Linear Notes
   • Use headings, subheadings, and short bullet points or numbered lists.
   • Highlight or underline key ideas.
   • Keep them logically structured.
2. Diagrams (Mind Maps or Spider Diagrams)
   • Main topic in the center, supporting ideas branching outward.
   • Lines/arrows illustrate connections among ideas.
   • Especially helpful for visual thinkers.

Key Principle: Avoid writing every word verbatim. Paraphrase in your own words to process and understand the material better. If you must copy a quote, use quotation marks and cite your source.

Making Notes Stand Out:

• Ensure legible handwriting.
• Number your pages.
• Leave space for later additions.
• Use highlighting, underlining, bold, or symbols to emphasize key points.

Organizing Notes

• Goal: Develop a reliable system to easily find information later.
• Possible Methods:
  • Color-coded folders or labels for different topics.
  • Dividers or tabs in binders.
  • Card index boxes.
  • Separate notebooks per subject.
  • Digital organization (file folders, databases).

The Cornell System

Designed by Dr. Walter Pauk of Cornell University, this method requires:

1. Page Layout: Divide your page into three sections:
   • Cue (Recall) Column: A narrow column on the left for key words/phrases and cues.
   • Note-Taking Area: The main, larger section on the right for your notes.
   • Summary Section: A space at the bottom for a concise review of the page’s key points.
2. Process:
   • During Lecture/Reading: Take notes in the main area. Keep them brief, focusing on main ideas.
   • Afterward: In the left column, list cues or keywords that trigger recall. This step helps organize information mentally and physically.
   • At the Bottom: Write a summary of the key ideas. A few sentences linking together the main points on that page.

Top Tips for Effective Note-Taking

1. Identify Your Purpose: Know why you’re taking notes and what you’ll do with them.
2. Keep It Brief: Focus on main themes and key ideas.
3. Limit Direct Quotation: If you quote, use quotation marks and proper references.
4. Leave Space: So you can add thoughts or questions later.
5. Use Shorthand: Abbreviations and symbols save time.
6. Use Headings: Organize notes logically with clear headings and subheadings.
7. Highlight Key Points: Use color, bold, underlining, or asterisks.
8. Organize Thoroughly: Store notes in a way that makes retrieval quick and easy.