Note-taking in Lectures

Developed by Adam Segal, Learning Skills Program

Modified by Lenelle Wylie, Helix Charter HS

2

Why take notes?

• Notes provide you with a written record of important ideas from lecture

• A starting place for you to: relate ideas within your course, review, think critically, prepare for exams, and generate ideas

• The act of writing notes keeps you focused during class!!

QuickTime™ and aTIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

3

• It is impossible to write down everything a teacher says. Here are some tips for figuring out what is important:– Listen for ideas, not for individual words– As you write, think: “What will I need to

study?”– Look for clues from the teacher…

But…I can’t write that fast!!QuickTime™ and aTIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor

are needed to see this p icture.

QuickTime™ and aTIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor

are needed to see this p icture.

4

Respond to the clues given by the instructor:

• ideas professor repeats or spends a long time on

• ideas written on board or overhead

• ideas also covered in the text or course outline

• change in pace, tone, emphasis, volume, body language

• clear cues: “this is important” or “this will be on the exam!”

QuickTime™ and aTIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

5

When it comes to note-taking, less is more!!

• ! b/c w/ w/out • + - = ∆ (change)• # & --> ∑ (total) [ ] (concentration) • (cut off syllables) reg. = regular; intro. =

introduction• (omit letters) cont’d = continued; pop’n =

population; attn. = attention

6

Most Importantly…

Review your notes within 24 hours of taking them!!

• After madly copying down notes, a quick review will help you see the big picture and allow you to add information or clarify confusing points.

QuickTime™ and aTIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

The Forgetting Curve

The red dots indicate how much you will remember over time if you review within one day of taking the notes. The yellow dots indicated how much you will remember if you

do not review your notes within 24 hours.

Three Note Taking Strategies

• Cornell notes are arranged with two columns, like this page is.

• The wider column is used for the main notes; the narrow column is for key words, key phrases, questions, and your own ideas.

• How are Cornell notes set up?

• How is each column used?

Date / Course

• Review notes written in the larger column and fill in the questions, key words/phrases, etc…

• Cover up the main notes and use your key words, phrases or questions as prompts to recall information in your notes.

• Two Ways to Study from Cornell Notes

Main Concept

Idea

Idea

Idea

Idea

Details

Details Details

Details

• Use key words and phrases to diagram the relationship between concepts, ideas, and details.

• Advantages: flexibility; creativity; active review is required; attractive to re-read; can be combined with Cornell or Outline notes.

Show relationships

Flexible, attractive

Usefulness ofMind Maps

13

• While you are listening to a lecture, listen for key points and supporting ideas.

• Use alternating numbers and letters to signify different levels of thought.

I.Topic of Lecturea.Main Point

i.Supporting detailii.Supporting detailiii.Supporting detail

b.New Pointi.Supporting detail 1.Key Term

a.Definition 2.Key Term

a.Definitionii.Supporting Detail

14

I. Why take notes in Outline form?A. Outlining forces you to see structure in lectures

1. Lectures can be organized into topics and subtopics2. Supporting details are listed underneath the main topics

a. outlining uses alternating numbers and letters to differentiate the details from the main topics

B. Outline notes can be used as a study tool.C. Outlining can be as simple or complex as you need.

1. You can have as many topics or subtopics as necessary.

15

Now…let’s practice our note-taking skills!!

• Mrs. Wylie will read a short essay, “Fast Food Fascism” and you will take Cornell Notes.

• Be sure to write a summary at the end!

16

Fascism:

• 1. A system of government marked by centralization of authority under a dictator, stringent socioeconomic controls, suppression of the opposition through terror and censorship, and typically a policy of belligerent nationalism and racism.

• 2. A political philosophy or movement based on or advocating such a system of government.

• 3. Oppressive, dictatorial control.

17

Outlining and Concept MappingUsing Inspiration©

• Using your completed reading guide you will use a computer program to create notes in both a concept map AND outline form.

• Inspiration© is a tool that can help think and learn visually.

• You can develop your ideas in diagram or outline form.

QuickTime™ and aTIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

18

How to Open Inspiration©

• Open hard drive

• Open Applications

• Find Inspiration 7.5 folder and open

• Find Inspiration icon (purple square with yellow star) and double click.

Main Idea

19

• Clip art, shape and color are included.

20

• Notice the way that color is used here to show the different levels of organization.

21

• Used web clustering using shapes,color and images.

22

Create a Concept Map

Main Idea

• A new project will appear with a “Main Idea” icon in the center.

• There are two ways:– Rapid Fire

– Build Links

23

Create Outline Form Notes

• Use Diagram/Outline Icon to switch between concept map and outline modes.

• You may continue to input notes in this format.

• Use Topic/Subtopic and Left/Right buttons.

24

Other Features

• Now you can spice up to your concept map by adding:– Images (from clipart or the web)– Notes– Hyperlinks– Color– Shapes

25

Your Assignment!

• Use the rubric to make sure you have included the minimum requirements.

• Print your Concept Map on ONE page to turn in and call me over to check your project before you finish.