NOTE-TAKING

Note Taking

Note-taking is the process of preparing notes while listening to a lecture. Note-taking is done by the listener. It is a very common practice when a listener attends either a meeting in an office or a lecture in a college. It helps record information from different speeches. By taking notes, the listener records the important points of the information and keeps it for future reference. Traditionally, notes are always handwritten but nowadays notes are also taken through notetaking software. Note-taking is a foundational skill in personal knowledge management.

Importance of Note-Taking

                 i.          To record lectures for future study and review.

                ii.          To implant the material in the mind.

               iii.          To make listeners more attentive.

               iv.          To study when shortage of time.

                v.          To retain more about the lecture.

               vi.          To revise information. 

Basic rules for Note-Taking

Note-taking is a personal thing and there is no fixed technique for it but there are three basic rules that can help note-taking quicker and more efficiently:

                 i.         Be selective – write only important points

                ii.         Be brief - use abbreviations and symbols

               iii.         Be clear - Find a relationship between the speaker’s points.

How to Take Good Lecture Notes

Suggestions/Guidelines for Taking Notes:

Notes are very important assets to prepare for an examination or for future reference. Notes are very helpful at the last time revision. Hence, these must be written carefully

    i.   Write in good handwriting.

   ii.   Write in a neat, attractive, and easy-to-understand format.

   iii.  Indicate the main points of the lecture.

   iv.  Show the relationship of the sub-heading to the main headings.

   v.   Include important illustrative details to enrich notes and content.

   vi.   Use good stationery like ink and a notebook. 

   vii.   Mention the date and page number.

  viii.   Leave wide margins to show the relationships of ideas to each other.

   ix.   Use notetaking shorthand techniques like

• Don’t use complete sentences.
• Use symbols not complete words.
• Use abbreviations and creative spelling. 

   x.   Listen more than write because All lecturers repeat many things at many times.

   xi.  Don’t decorate notes otherwise, you cannot concentrate on listening.

   xii.   Use numbers in notes, if needed.

  xiii.  Read notes as soon as possible, after the lecture, to fix handwriting, spelling, and clarity.

Methods of Note-Taking

There is no fixed method of taking notes of a lecture. Note-taking can be done in any way that is easier for a listener. Some of the methods are as follows-

1.     Linear method

2.     Outline method

3.     Sentence method

4.      Charting

5.      Mapping

6.     Cornell Notes

Now, we will discuss each method one by one-

1.     Linear method

The method of note-taking in which notes are written as the information is received is called the linear method of note-taking. It is a simple means of taking notes. Notes are written as the information is received. It may include chronological outlines of a lecture This method required a higher potential of listening and noting everything. It is difficult for slow writers.

2.     Outline method

The method of note-taking in which headings and subheadings are written is called the outline method of note-taking. It is an easy method. Notes are organized in a structured, and logical manner with the help of bullet points.  Bullet points include- Roman numerals, letters of the alphabet, and Arabic numerals. Due to headings and subheadings, a lot of information can be reviewed in a short period of time.

This method has a limitation in that a writer cannot add anything in the middle of numbers or the listener has to leave a bigger space after every number to add anything later.

3.     Sentence method

'The sentence' note-taking is simply writing down each topic as a short, simple sentence. It is helpful in fast-paced lessons where a lot of information is being covered. The note-taker records every new thought, fact, or topic on a separate line but the notes are not organized into heading and subheadings. Numbers or bullets are used to show the beginning of a new thought.

4.     Charting

The method of note-taking in which notes are prepared with the help of a chart to show the relation among various points is called the charting method of note-taking. It is useful for a topic that has different categories, such as similarities, differences, dates, events, impact, etc. The listener may review and rewrite notes using the charting method. It includes flow charts, tables, frames, etc.

5.     Mapping

The method of note-taking in which spatial organization and diagrams are used to write information is called the mapping method of note-taking. The main point is kept in the center of the page and then branches outward to mention all the ideas connected to that central topic. Colors, small graphics, symbols, etc. are often used to help to visualize the information more easily.

6.     Cornell Notes

Walter Pauk of Cornell University developed this method of note-taking. It consists of dividing a single page into three sections: a right-hand column for notes, a left-hand column for cues, and a strip at the bottom for a summary. Cues are keywords or questions that help evoke key aspects of the topic. This method is used for mathematics or chemistry, physics, etc. where formulas and graphs are used.

Layout (format) of Cornell Notes:

Subject:                                                                             date: Chapter/lecture:
Cues column: questions or keywords	Notes
summary

COMMON ABBREVIATIONS FOR NOTETAKING

Devise your own abbreviation for words used frequently in a course. Be consistent! Always use the same abbreviation for the same word. Abbreviations are divided into three categories-

Common Problems in Note-Taking and Their Solutions

1. Illegibility -Anybody can easily read his/her own written notes. even then it is advisable to go over notes after noting to clarify any illegible parts. This is particularly important in the case of notes that had to be taken rapidly.
2. Points Missed - If something is missed during noting then leave spaces. Try to fill in later from the text or by checking with classmates or the teacher.
3. The spelling of a Word Not Known - Write the word as best as possible phonetically. Code (Sp?) and check later.
4. Missed Lectures - When a classmate must miss a lecture and entrusts you with taking notes for him, use a piece of carbon paper and provide him with his own copy. Thus, there is less chance that he will be using your notes at times when you would like to have them available for review and also less chance of the notes being lost. If you miss a lecture, your classmates can reciprocate for you.
5. Ink or Paper Supply Becomes Exhausted - A replacement might be obtained from a neighbor if it can be done quickly and unobtrusively. Otherwise, the student should listen especially carefully and write the missing notes as soon as he possibly can. Since forgetting is rapid when notes are not taken, it is wise to check paper, pencil, and ink before leaving for class.
6. Poor Physical Situation - When seeing or hearing is difficult, a seat change for the next lecture, or even during the same lecture, is in order. If a problem arises such as light glare preventing students from seeing the place on the board where the lecturer is writing, the lecturer might be informed of this. He would probably rather be interrupted to be informed of such a condition than to have part of his lecture lost.
7. Poor Physical or Emotional Condition - Try to concentrate deeply on the topics of the lecture and become very interested in them. Such practice may help a student forget minor physical discomfort or emotional upset by detracting from it for a while.