making notes: study skills

MAKING NOTES

MAKING NOTES INTRODUCTION - is a skill that will help to manage the information content of study. -something that you will do in many different situations: lectures; seminars; tutorials; reading a book or journal;

- a very important practical skill - will help you to • identify and understand key ideas • learn key ideas and information • keep a record of information for future use • prepare for examinations The purpose of this chapter is to provide help and guidance on making notes.

Why are you making notes?

To get an

overview

For detailed informat

ion

To share with your

friends

For specific informat

ion

MAKING NOTESInvolves making your own record of key information and ideas. Use your own words. May add your own ideas or questions, or make links to the work of others. Used during lectures or reading

TAKING NOTESInvolves copying information ‘word for word’ from another source , e.g. tutor, book, handbook. Used when copying specific information for example, advice on an assignment, details about room changes.

ADVICE ON MAKING NOTESStart with

background details –

date&title of lecture

Make sure you can read your

notes.

Only use one side of the

paper. Easier to organise

Leave spaces for additional

notes or comments

Use arrows, symbols,

diagrams. To speed up the note-making

process.

Use your own words

Make notes without looking at the original

sources.

Use highlighter pens or a

colour-coding scheme

Notes should be concise, clear and consistent

TYPES OF NOTES

CIRCLE MAP - HELP PEOPLE BRAINSTORM AND LIST EVERYTHING

BUBBLE MAP – LIST DOWN KEYS OF ADJECTIVES

DOUBLE BUBBLE MAP - TO COMPARE AND CONTRAST THINGS

TREE MAP – HELP PEOPLE ORGANIZE INFO INTO DIFFERENT GROUPS

BRACE MAP – HELP PEOPLE BREAK THINGS APART

FLOW MAP – HELP TO LIST DOWN STEPS INVOLVED IN PROCESS

MULTI-FLOW MAP – HELP PEOPLE TO MAP CAUSE AND EFFECTS

BRIDGE MAP – LIST DOWN SEVERAL PAIRS OF ITEMS THAT RELATED TO EACH OTHER