Note Taking
Q- Elaborate on the techniques of note-taking and its importance.
Note-taking – Note-taking is the process of
preparing notes while listening to a lecture. Notes are written by the
listener. It helps record information that can be used in the future. Note-taking
is a foundational skill in personal knowledge management.
Importance of Note-Taking
i. To
record lectures for future study
ii. To
implant the material in the mind.
iii. To
make listeners more attentive.
iv. To
revise the information in less time.
Basic rules for Note-Taking
Three basic rules 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.
Suggestions/Guidelines for Taking Notes:
Notes are assets and helpful at
the last time revision. Hence, these must be written carefully
i. Write
in good handwriting.
ii. Write in a neat, 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.
Use good stationery like ink and a notebook.
vii. Mention
the date and page number.
Methods of Note-Taking
There is no fixed method of taking notes of a
lecture. Some of the methods are as follows-
Now, we will discuss each method one by one-
1. Linear method
The method in which notes are
written as the information is received is called linear. It is a simple way of taking notes. Notes are written line-wise.
Bullets and numbers are used. Chronology is followed. Phrases may be used in
place of complete sentences. It is used in most of the subjects.
2. Outline
method
The method of note-taking in which notes are
written in the form of headings and subheadings is called the outline method of
note-taking. It is an easy method. Notes are organized in a structured, and
logical manner. A lot of information can
be reviewed in a short period. It is the most common method as it looks
nice. It is used when a topic has many subheadings in it.
3. Sentence method
Notes are written in the form of small and simple sentences. The sentences should be correct. The note-taker records new and important points. Notes are not organized into headings and subheadings. Numbers or bullets are used to show the beginning of a new point. This method requires fast speed and good knowledge of sentence structure. It is used when the topic is explained in detail but notes are formed in a limit.
The method in which notes are
prepared with the help of a chart to show the relation among various points is
called charting. It is useful for showing different categories, such
as similarities, differences, dates, events, impact, etc. It includes flow
charts, tables, frames, etc. It helps listeners note difficult things easily.
5. Mapping
The method of note-taking in which notes are
written in nonlinear form. The main point is kept in the center of the page and
other information is written around the main topic. Arrows are used to show
relations. It is good for a topic that has multiple facts related to each other.
Colors, small graphics, symbols, etc. are often used to help to visualize the
information more easily.
6. Cornell Notes
Professor Walter Paul of Cornell University in
the 1950s introduced this method. It follows a format. A complete page is
divided into three sections-
1. The first section includes the topic, subject, and
date.
2. The second section has two parts- keywords on
the left and notes on the right part.
3. The third section is used to write a summary of
the notes. It is used for systematic note formation on any topic.
Cues are keywords or questions that help evoke key aspects of the topic. This method is used for mathematics, chemistry, physics, etc. where formulas and graphs are used.
Layout (format) of
Cornell Notes:
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
- Poor Writing -Anybody can easily read his/her own written notes. Even then it is advisable to read notes after noting to clarify any illegible parts. This is particularly important in the case of notes that had to be taken rapidly.
- Missed point - 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.
- Incorrect spellings - Write the word as best as possible phonetically. Code (Sp?) and check later.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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