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Tips on Note-taking

The document provides tips on effective note-taking, emphasizing the importance of writing versus typing, and offers various methods such as the outlining method, Cornell method, and mind maps. It highlights the benefits of good notes for learning and retention, along with practical tips like color-coding, using abbreviations, and reviewing notes. Additionally, it encourages adapting note-taking styles to fit different disciplines and personal preferences.

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8 views19 pages

Tips on Note-taking

The document provides tips on effective note-taking, emphasizing the importance of writing versus typing, and offers various methods such as the outlining method, Cornell method, and mind maps. It highlights the benefits of good notes for learning and retention, along with practical tips like color-coding, using abbreviations, and reviewing notes. Additionally, it encourages adapting note-taking styles to fit different disciplines and personal preferences.

Uploaded by

Sy
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Tips on

note-taking
Agata Derkowska
Outreach Department
UM Library
Note-taking
When to take notes?

• Listening to a lecture
• Conducting an interview
• Reading text-books and articles
• Daily life situations
Note-taking

Writing or typing?
Note-taking: Writing
Studies show that writing things down
may improve learning and retention of
information.

Manual note-taking is more engaging


and selective, which may cause more
efficient studying.

Manual note-taking forces students to


creatively generate content:
paraphrasing, summarizing, mind-
mapping etc…

It is slow.
Note-taking: Typing
Allows to write more.

Improves multitasking.

Using a laptop may be a distraction.

Notes taken by typing are often word for


word, without processing and
understanding (students write down
everything that lecturer says).
Mindless transcribing the content can lead
to poor performance during exams.
Note-taking
• Good notes help you learn!
• Each discipline may require different
notes.
• There are various note-taking methods
that you can adapt to create your own
style!
Note-taking: Outlining method
Prioritizing and writing
information down in points.

Moving from main topic,


to sub-topic/key-concept to
details/descriptions/definitions
/examples.

This method clearly structures


notes.

It is easy to review.
Note-taking: Cornell Method
Focuses on dividing page into two
columns:

• Recall/Cue column which includes


headings, keywords, terminology or
key concepts

• Notes column which includes notes


and more detailed description of terms
in cue column

Summary section at the bottom of the


page where you can write additional
remarks and rephrase notes in your own
words.
Note-taking: Cornell Method
1. During the lecture write down your
notes in Notes column.

2. During the lecture, write down the


main topic/question on top of the
page.

3. At the end of the lecture, write


down the summary at the bottom
of the page.

4. After the lecture, review your notes


and add keywords/headlines in Cue
column.
Note-taking: Mind maps
Mind maps are visual diagrams that help to organise information.

Mind maps are usually developed around a single concept with further
ideas branching out.
Note-taking: Mind maps
1. Write down main
keyword/topic in the center
of the page.

2. Create branches for other


key concepts or ideas
related to main topic.

3. Create subsequent branches


to create hierarchical levels
of information.
Note-taking: Tips
• Colour-code your notes!

Use different colours to highlight


definitions, key-concepts and important
information.

Mark each module with a different colour


so you can easily identify them!
Note-taking: Tips
• Use abbreviations!

To note faster, use abbreviations. You can


develop your own glossary, write it down in
your note-book and always have it with you!
Note-taking: Tips
• Record it!

If your lecturer talks too fast or you are


worried that you might miss something
important, consider recording the class or a
presentation and take notes at home!
Note-taking: Tips
• Rewrite your notes!

If your notes are chaotic, you may want to


rewrite them. This will not only allow you to
produce clean notes but also memorize the
content.
Note-taking: Tips
• Review your notes!

Always review your notes!

Take time to read through your notes


shortly after the lecture and before the next
one. This will help you remember new
information!
Note-taking: References
Bristol, J. (2016). Cornell notes. Retrieved from http://jennybristol.com/2016/08/olio-16-cornell-notes/

GoodNotes. (2019). The best note-taking methods. Retrieved from https://medium.goodnotes.com/the-


best-note-taking-methods-for-college-students-451f412e264e

Lundin, E. (2019). How to take better notes: The 6 best note-taking systems. Retrieved
from https://collegeinfogeek.com/how-to-take-notes-in-college/

Mueller, P. A., & Oppenheimer, D. M. (2014). The pen is mightier than the keyboard: Advantages of longhand
over laptop note taking. Psychological Science, 25(6), 1159-1168. doi:10.1177/0956797614524581

Sanders, C. (2018). 17 note-taking tips that will transform how you retain info. Retrieved
from https://www.lifehack.org/794683/note-taking-tips

Schenkelberg, F. (2019). Mind mapping for non-linear thinking. Retrieved


from https://accendoreliability.com/mind-mapping-non-linear-thinking/
Thank you for your attention!

For further information you are welcome to


contact us by calling on 2340 2541
or by e-mail [email protected]

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