How will taking good notes help me with my learning?

Taking notes helps you to focus attention during class and remember the ideas and facts presented once class is over. It can also help you to make connections and elaborate on classroom discussion topics. It helps you process information more fully, and to recall information with greater ease. It will also make studying for tests and exams easier. It is important you find the note-taking method that works best for you and the topic.

(Road to success, 2010)

Why is it important to be able to write good notes?

• To help you gather information on a topic (part of the research process).
• To help remember information
• To help revise and study for test and exams
• To help plan your writing and write in your own words

How do you take notes?

When reading information from a text try the following:

1. Skim for an overview

• Quickly read the text passage to get an overview
• Look for heading and subheading
• Look for the important facts/ key points (in each paragraph)
• Look for keywords (in each paragraph)
• TIP: You may find it helpful to highlight/ underline these parts – if the text is your copy.

2. What to write down

• The topic – the main idea of the paragraph
• Important details from each supporting sentence
• Keywords/ phrases (in each supporting sentence)

3. How to write notes

• Use dot points (no need to write full sentences)
• Abbreviations where you can, e.g. info. for information
• Symbols, e.g. + $      CLICK HERE for more abbreviations
• Organise notes clearly
• Use a graphic organiser (see note-taking methods)

(Quill & Townsend, 2009).

Write a summary

At the end of your notes it is always a good idea to write a summary to help make sure you understand the topic.

A summary is a brief statement in your own words of the main points you have noted.

Tips:

• Rule a line under your notes and write your summary underneath.
• Only use your notes to help you.