How to Take Notes

Preparing To Take Notes
*Complete all assigned readings
*Review notes from previous class
*Gather need materials

Preparing Your Paper
*Each page of notes should include:
-Class
-Date
-Topic
-Guest Speaker, any identifying information

What to Write Down
*Use active listening skills
*Listen for cues
-Goals, purpose of lecture
-Signal Statements *"The most important thing to remember" *"Keep in mind" *"Make sure you know" *"I expect you to" *"Listen closely"
*Titles
*Main Ideas
*Important dates
*Key pieces of information
-Clarify during rewriting
*Anything written on the board
*Question you might have
*Will it be on the test?

What Not to Write Down
*Personal anecdotes
*Irrelevant stories
*Complete sentences
*Will it be in the test?
-Unless it helps you remember

Using Short Cuts
*Abbreviation
-An Abbreviation is a shortened form of a word or phrase used to represent the whole. *cf (Compare) *ie (that is) *eg, ex (for example) *w/ (with) *w/o (without) *&, (and) *= (equals, is)
*Focus on writing the fewest words possible and still maintain meaning.

Organize Your Notes
*Use a special note taking format
-e-notes
-Create your own
*Areas for:
-Topic
-Content
-Questions
-Vocabulary
-Summary

Personalize Your Notes
*Highlight important elements
-Star main ideas
-Underline vocabulary
-Highlight dates
-Use ?'s
-Create your own key

Asking Questions
*Always ask questions!
-Ask if you need clarification
-Ask if you need something repeated

Basic Note Taking Skills
*Do:
-Come prepared
-Use active listening skills
*Don't:
-Write word-for-word
-Write complete sentences
-Write personal anecdotes or stories

What is Outlining?
*Outlining
-Outlining involves arranging ideas or topics in relationship to each other.
-Logical order
-Sequential
I.Heading A. Topic 1. Supporting detail a. Evidence or example i. Explanation (I) supporting detail

Why Use the