USC SumterUSC Sumter

Office of Advisement and Office of Advisement and CounselingCounseling

Administration Building, Rm. Administration Building, Rm. 101101

On-line Note taker On-line Note taker TrainingTraining

Welcome to the staff of the Welcome to the staff of the Advisement and Counseling Center Advisement and Counseling Center at the University of South Carolina at the University of South Carolina Sumter. Thank you for agreeing to Sumter. Thank you for agreeing to be a note taker. We are happy you be a note taker. We are happy you have chosen to work with us, and have chosen to work with us, and we hope you enjoy your experience we hope you enjoy your experience

here.here.

Note taker provision is a mandated Note taker provision is a mandated support service provided by support service provided by Advisement and Counseling to Advisement and Counseling to students with documented students with documented disabilities. disabilities.

These disabilities include students These disabilities include students who are deaf or hard of hearing, who are deaf or hard of hearing, students who are blind or have low students who are blind or have low vision, they may have a learning vision, they may have a learning disability or Attention Deficit disability or Attention Deficit Disorder, or any other documented Disorder, or any other documented disability. disability.

Note takers are hired on a semester Note takers are hired on a semester basis. Persons providing note-taking basis. Persons providing note-taking services must be responsible, services must be responsible, reliable, and prompt.reliable, and prompt.

On the following pages you will On the following pages you will find a tutorial about things we find a tutorial about things we

want our note takers to know and want our note takers to know and you will learn and review some you will learn and review some key note taking skills. You may key note taking skills. You may want to consider printing this want to consider printing this tutorial for easy reference.tutorial for easy reference.

ConfidentialityConfidentiality• Confidentiality is an important aspect of working with Confidentiality is an important aspect of working with

students with disabilities. Students with disabilities students with disabilities. Students with disabilities are protected under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation are protected under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Act of 1973, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of and the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (sometimes referred to as FERPA or the 1974 (sometimes referred to as FERPA or the Buckley Amendment.) Buckley Amendment.)

• It is your responsibility as a note taker for a student It is your responsibility as a note taker for a student with a disability to protect the privacy of the student, with a disability to protect the privacy of the student, including any former students. Any information you including any former students. Any information you obtain, see, observe, hear, or become aware of is obtain, see, observe, hear, or become aware of is considered considered confidentialconfidential. You should . You should NOT NOT discuss discuss your reason for being in the class with any other your reason for being in the class with any other person. The unauthorized release of information is person. The unauthorized release of information is strictly prohibited and will lead to dismissal upon the strictly prohibited and will lead to dismissal upon the first offense. You will sign a confidentiality statement first offense. You will sign a confidentiality statement when you are hired and a breach of this trust is an when you are hired and a breach of this trust is an extremely serious offense.extremely serious offense.

(Oberline On line, 1996)

• Do not disclose who you are taking notes for. Even if Do not disclose who you are taking notes for. Even if a professor asks you for the student’s name, simply a professor asks you for the student’s name, simply tell them that you cannot disclose that information. tell them that you cannot disclose that information. The professor should have received a letter from the The professor should have received a letter from the student explaining any accommodations they are student explaining any accommodations they are receiving. If they have any further questions please receiving. If they have any further questions please refer them to our office.refer them to our office.

• The Advisement and Counseling Office is prohibited The Advisement and Counseling Office is prohibited by law from providing you with the student’s phone by law from providing you with the student’s phone number or e-mail address; however, the student will number or e-mail address; however, the student will be provided with your number or e-mail address be provided with your number or e-mail address upon their request and may contact you if they wish. upon their request and may contact you if they wish. If the student does not want to contact you, then the If the student does not want to contact you, then the Director of Advisement and Counseling will handle Director of Advisement and Counseling will handle any communication between you and the student. If any communication between you and the student. If you have any concerns or questions, contact her at you have any concerns or questions, contact her at 803-938-3800 or in Administration Building Rm. 101. 803-938-3800 or in Administration Building Rm. 101. You should NOT approach the student. You should NOT approach the student.

ResponsibilitiesResponsibilities• Please contact us if there is a change of Please contact us if there is a change of

address, phone number or e-mail. We must be address, phone number or e-mail. We must be able to reach you if there are any problems. able to reach you if there are any problems.

• Arrive on time and stay in class until it is over. Arrive on time and stay in class until it is over. You cannot have complete notes if you are not You cannot have complete notes if you are not in class from beginning to end. Important in class from beginning to end. Important information such as exam dates or class information such as exam dates or class cancellations is often provided as the class cancellations is often provided as the class begins.begins.

• Your pay check will be mailed to you at the Your pay check will be mailed to you at the end of the semester for notes that we received.end of the semester for notes that we received.

• Please do not give out this office as your place Please do not give out this office as your place of employment on job applications or credit of employment on job applications or credit card applications.card applications.

Note Taker ManualNote Taker Manual• Remember, one or more USC students are counting on Remember, one or more USC students are counting on

your notes to help them succeed in class. Please make your notes to help them succeed in class. Please make your notes as accurate, legible, and complete as possible.your notes as accurate, legible, and complete as possible.

• Arranging for a timely delivery of your notes is also Arranging for a timely delivery of your notes is also essential. The student must have access to them as soon essential. The student must have access to them as soon as possible after the class meets. A few hours of as possible after the class meets. A few hours of turnaround time is desired. turnaround time is desired.

You are expected to bring your notes to Advisement and You are expected to bring your notes to Advisement and Counseling Office, Adm. Bldg. room 101 within Counseling Office, Adm. Bldg. room 101 within 24 hours24 hours of class. If there will be a delay in the delivery of the of class. If there will be a delay in the delivery of the notes, please stop in or call 803-938-3800 as soon as notes, please stop in or call 803-938-3800 as soon as possible.possible.

• At the top of your notes please write the class At the top of your notes please write the class name/number name/number (ex. SOCY V 101) and put the date that the notes were (ex. SOCY V 101) and put the date that the notes were taken. taken.

What if I miss class?What if I miss class?• It is the responsibility of the note take to It is the responsibility of the note take to

make sure you obtain notes for any class that make sure you obtain notes for any class that you miss. If you know you are going to miss you miss. If you know you are going to miss class due to illness or any other reason, class due to illness or any other reason, please let the Advisement and Counseling please let the Advisement and Counseling Office, 803-938-3800, know as soon as Office, 803-938-3800, know as soon as possible. possible.

Potential ProblemsPotential Problems• If a difficulty occurs within the working If a difficulty occurs within the working

relationship, please contact the relationship, please contact the Advisement and Counseling Office as Advisement and Counseling Office as soon as possible. If the student you are soon as possible. If the student you are taking notes for has initiated a working taking notes for has initiated a working relationship, then discuss the problem relationship, then discuss the problem with the student. This will prevent a with the student. This will prevent a difficulty from “mushrooming” into a difficulty from “mushrooming” into a major problem. If a difficulty cannot be major problem. If a difficulty cannot be resolved in a relatively short time, all resolved in a relatively short time, all parties involved should jointly seek parties involved should jointly seek guidance from the Director of Advisement guidance from the Director of Advisement and Counseling.and Counseling.

How to be a better note How to be a better note takertaker

• Be prepared for class. If there is an assigned reading Be prepared for class. If there is an assigned reading then it is best to have completed that reading prior to then it is best to have completed that reading prior to class. It is likely that much of the class notes and class. It is likely that much of the class notes and discussion will be based on the assignment. If the discussion will be based on the assignment. If the professor refers to a page in the textbook write it professor refers to a page in the textbook write it down; it may be helpful later on.down; it may be helpful later on.

• You may want to consider writing down some main You may want to consider writing down some main points before the lecture to help you follow along, this points before the lecture to help you follow along, this can help you keep from feeling overwhelmed when you can help you keep from feeling overwhelmed when you are being hit with so much information. (Marshall & are being hit with so much information. (Marshall & Rowland, 1998, pp. 152-153).Rowland, 1998, pp. 152-153).

• It is also important to make sure you bring It is also important to make sure you bring enough paper and something to write with.enough paper and something to write with.

• Remain objective. Keep your opinions out of the Remain objective. Keep your opinions out of the notes.notes.

• Use only one side of the paper and skip lines. Use only one side of the paper and skip lines. The student may use the other side for adding The student may use the other side for adding his/her own notes. If there is extra space on the his/her own notes. If there is extra space on the page then the notes will be easier to read and page then the notes will be easier to read and there will be space for information you may want there will be space for information you may want to add later. The student is using your notes in to add later. The student is using your notes in combination with his/her own.combination with his/her own.

• Number, title, and date each page. This will help our Number, title, and date each page. This will help our students, and you, keep track of the notes. Students students, and you, keep track of the notes. Students often receive notes for more than one class at a time.often receive notes for more than one class at a time.

• Keep your notebook organized. Throw out pages Keep your notebook organized. Throw out pages full of doodles and other things that could full of doodles and other things that could potentially create a mess. Use dividers, sticky potentially create a mess. Use dividers, sticky notes, and sheet protectors to help organize your notes, and sheet protectors to help organize your notebook.notebook.

• Write legibly and use correct spellingWrite legibly and use correct spelling..

• Use key words and short phrases.Use key words and short phrases.

• Use abbreviations for words that are used again and Use abbreviations for words that are used again and again or are common. For example, rather than write again or are common. For example, rather than write out the word “government” try just writing “govt.” Also out the word “government” try just writing “govt.” Also for long words and phrases you may want to write it out for long words and phrases you may want to write it out the first time and then use a shortened version each the first time and then use a shortened version each time thereafter. For example, rather than use the words time thereafter. For example, rather than use the words “Einstein’s Theory of Relativity” just write “ETR.” “Einstein’s Theory of Relativity” just write “ETR.”

• Don’t try to write down everything the professor says. Don’t try to write down everything the professor says. This is not possible, and if you can do it, then it is too This is not possible, and if you can do it, then it is too much information. Try to write down the big ideas. much information. Try to write down the big ideas. Listen for key words, such as facts, connections and Listen for key words, such as facts, connections and main ideas. “It is impossible to reproduce most of the main ideas. “It is impossible to reproduce most of the content of a lecture exactly and very rarely do you want content of a lecture exactly and very rarely do you want as much detail as this. Instead your notes should be as much detail as this. Instead your notes should be your consciously selected version of the material your consciously selected version of the material offered, so that you make notes rather than take them.”offered, so that you make notes rather than take them.” (Marshall & Rowland, p. 154).(Marshall & Rowland, p. 154).

Abbreviations and Abbreviations and SymbolsSymbols • Use beginning letters of Use beginning letters of

words or phrases, such as:words or phrases, such as:– ““without” = w/owithout” = w/o– ““overdose” = ODoverdose” = OD– ““sing on” = S.O.sing on” = S.O.– ““as soon as possible” = ASAPas soon as possible” = ASAP

• Use beginning syllables, such Use beginning syllables, such asas– ““anthropology” = anthroanthropology” = anthro– ““demonstration” =demodemonstration” =demo– ““approximately”=approxapproximately”=approx

• Use common characters and Use common characters and symbols, such as:symbols, such as:– ? = “I don’t understand”? = “I don’t understand”– @ = “at”@ = “at”– = “linked to or causes”= “linked to or causes”– * or ! = “important”* or ! = “important”

• Use the beginning and end of Use the beginning and end of words, such as:words, such as:– ““Continued” = cont’dContinued” = cont’d– ““additional” = add’ladditional” = add’l

• Remove vowels, such as:Remove vowels, such as:– ““explosion” = explsnexplosion” = explsn– ““check” = chck check” = chck – ““notebook” = notebknotebook” = notebk

• Use mathematical symbol, Use mathematical symbol, such as:such as:– >< represent “greater than >< represent “greater than

or less than”or less than”– = “equal to”= “equal to”– # “number”# “number”– ~ “approximately”~ “approximately”– + for “and”+ for “and”

(Lipsky, 2004, p. 54-55).(Lipsky, 2004, p. 54-55).

Selective ListeningSelective Listening• Focusing on whatFocusing on what is is and and is notis not

important and what important and what shouldshould and and should should notnot be written down. be written down.

• Think about the following things as you Think about the following things as you listen to the lecture:listen to the lecture:– What What isis the topic? the topic?– What do I need to What do I need to knowknow about the topic? about the topic?– Why is this topic Why is this topic importantimportant??– What is an What is an exampleexample of this topic? of this topic?– How did this event or procedure How did this event or procedure come come

aboutabout??

(Lipsky, 2004, p. 53).(Lipsky, 2004, p. 53).

Verbal and Nonverbal Verbal and Nonverbal CuesCues

• Verbal Cues – These Verbal Cues – These are things the are things the professor professor sayssays that that shows that the shows that the information needs to information needs to be written down. be written down. Things such as:Things such as:– Repeating Repeating

informationinformation– Pausing or slowing Pausing or slowing

downdown– Talking louderTalking louder

• Nonverbal Cues – Nonverbal Cues – Things the professors Things the professors does does to show that to show that information needs to be information needs to be written down. Things written down. Things such as:such as:– Using hand gesturesUsing hand gestures– Pointing to words on Pointing to words on

the boardthe board– Looking at students’ Looking at students’

notes to make sure notes to make sure they are writing they are writing things down correctlythings down correctly

(Lipsky, 2004, p. 53).(Lipsky, 2004, p. 53).

Listen for Key WordsListen for Key Words

• AdvantagesAdvantages• BenefitsBenefits• CausesCauses• CharacteristicsCharacteristics• ConclusionsConclusions• DisadvantagesDisadvantages• EffectsEffects• FactorsFactors

• FindingsFindings• FunctionsFunctions• Kinds ofKinds of• MethodsMethods• PartsParts• PrinciplesPrinciples• PurposesPurposes• ReasonsReasons

(Wong, 2003, p. 270)(Wong, 2003, p. 270)

• RulesRules• SolutionsSolutions• StagesStages• StepsSteps• TechniquesTechniques• Types ofTypes of• UsesUses• WaysWays

Listen for TerminologyListen for Terminology

• XX means… means…• XX is also called… is also called…• XX is defined as… is defined as…• XX, also referred to as…, also referred to as…• The definition of The definition of XX is… is…• XX, also known as…, also known as…

(Wong, 2003, p. 270)(Wong, 2003, p. 270)

Other things to listen Other things to listen for:for:

• Details: dates, names, facts, statistics, & definitionsDetails: dates, names, facts, statistics, & definitions

• Ordinals: first, second, third, next, also, another, in Ordinals: first, second, third, next, also, another, in addition, last, finallyaddition, last, finally

• Examples: Examples are used to make the Examples: Examples are used to make the information more interesting, so include a reference information more interesting, so include a reference (you don’t need to retell the whole story) to the (you don’t need to retell the whole story) to the example in your notes to help trigger your memory example in your notes to help trigger your memory

• Leave it blank when you are unsure. Meet with the Leave it blank when you are unsure. Meet with the professor or other students to fill in missing professor or other students to fill in missing information. It is a good idea to find a buddy in information. It is a good idea to find a buddy in class; should one of you be absent you can rely on class; should one of you be absent you can rely on each other for any missed material or to help fill in each other for any missed material or to help fill in missing information when something is unclear.missing information when something is unclear.

(Wong, 2003, p. 271)(Wong, 2003, p. 271)

• Sit in the front of the class. This will help you Sit in the front of the class. This will help you to concentrate on the professor and ignore to concentrate on the professor and ignore distractions during class. distractions during class.

• Use Use underliningunderlining and *asterisks* to signify and *asterisks* to signify important information such as test and important information such as test and assignment dates, class announcements, or key assignment dates, class announcements, or key ideas. Highlighters are fine, but the colors do ideas. Highlighters are fine, but the colors do not come out when you are making copies of not come out when you are making copies of your notes. your notes.

• Use mind maps, things such as Venn diagrams Use mind maps, things such as Venn diagrams and flow charts. It is also fine to draw pictures. and flow charts. It is also fine to draw pictures. Make up your own type of chart. Whatever Make up your own type of chart. Whatever helps you to make the material make sense. helps you to make the material make sense.

• Flow Chart – a flow Flow Chart – a flow chart uses boxes chart uses boxes with text, graphics, with text, graphics, and symbols to and symbols to show operations, show operations, directions, directions, organization, data, organization, data, and the different and the different stages of a process. stages of a process. This is great for This is great for science or history science or history classes. classes.

(The NASA Science Files Homepage, 2004).

Venn Diagram – Used to show comparisons between two or more things. You can always add another circle to show the similarities and difference between three things.

(LD Online, 2005)

TypesTypes of of NotesNotes

Paragraph StyleParagraph Style• Write what you Write what you

hear and hear and paraphraseparaphrase

• Use bulletsUse bullets

• With each new With each new idea start a new idea start a new paragraphparagraph

Outline StyleOutline Style• Uses Roman Uses Roman

numerals, letters, numerals, letters, and numeralsand numerals

• Each indention is a Each indention is a smaller smaller classificationclassification

• Uses key words Uses key words and phrasesand phrases

Cornell StyleCornell StyleThe Cornell system for taking notes is designed The Cornell system for taking notes is designed

totosave time but yet be highly efficient. There is nosave time but yet be highly efficient. There is no

rewriting or retyping of your notes. It is a rewriting or retyping of your notes. It is a "DO IT RIGHT IN THE FIRST PLACE""DO IT RIGHT IN THE FIRST PLACE"

system.system.First StepFirst Step – PREPARATION – PREPARATION Use a large, loose-leafUse a large, loose-leafnotebook. Use only one side of the paper. (you then notebook. Use only one side of the paper. (you then

cancanlay your notes out to see the direction of a lecture.) lay your notes out to see the direction of a lecture.)

Draw Draw a vertical line 2 1/2 inches from the left side of youa vertical line 2 1/2 inches from the left side of youpaper. This is the recall column. Notes will be taken paper. This is the recall column. Notes will be taken

totothe right of this margin. Later key words or phrases the right of this margin. Later key words or phrases

cancanbe written in the recall column.be written in the recall column.

http://www.ucc.vt.edu/stdyhlp.html

Cornell Style ContinuedCornell Style ContinuedSecond StepSecond Step - DURING THE LECTURE - DURING THE LECTURE Record notes inRecord notes inparagraph form. Capture general ideas, not illustrative ideas. Skipparagraph form. Capture general ideas, not illustrative ideas. Skiplines to show end of ideas or thoughts. Using abbreviations willlines to show end of ideas or thoughts. Using abbreviations willsave time. Write legibly.save time. Write legibly.

Third StepThird Step - AFTER THE LECTURE - AFTER THE LECTURE Read through your notesRead through your notesand make it more legible if necessary. Now use the column. Jotand make it more legible if necessary. Now use the column. Jotdown ideas or key words which give you the idea of the lecture. down ideas or key words which give you the idea of the lecture. (REDUCE) You will have to reread the lecturer's ideas and reflect (REDUCE) You will have to reread the lecturer's ideas and reflect in your own words. Cover up the right-hand portion of your notes in your own words. Cover up the right-hand portion of your notes and recite the general ideas and concepts of the lecture. Overlap and recite the general ideas and concepts of the lecture. Overlap your notes showing only recall columns and you have your review.your notes showing only recall columns and you have your review.

http://lvillage.wsfcs.k12.nc.us/lv/hsmoun/hp.nsf/HomePages/bbowling

The key to taking good notes is The key to taking good notes is finding what works best for finding what works best for you. You should use these you. You should use these

hints and techniques to help hints and techniques to help you find a note taking method you find a note taking method that makes sense to you and that makes sense to you and the way you learn. It is also the way you learn. It is also

important to PRACTICE-important to PRACTICE-PRACTICE-PRACTICE!PRACTICE-PRACTICE!

What if my professor puts What if my professor puts the notes on Blackboard?the notes on Blackboard?

• Today, you will find many professors that put Today, you will find many professors that put their notes on Blackboard. That does not their notes on Blackboard. That does not mean that you should tune out and take nap! mean that you should tune out and take nap!

• Make sure you have printed out a copy of the Make sure you have printed out a copy of the notes and bring them to class with you.notes and bring them to class with you.

• This is a great chance to focus on what is This is a great chance to focus on what is being said and supplement the notes with key being said and supplement the notes with key points, examples, and main ideas. points, examples, and main ideas.

• Use the professors verbal and non-verbal cues Use the professors verbal and non-verbal cues to help you decided what and where to to help you decided what and where to supplement the notes.supplement the notes.

• Use your system of abbreviations and symbols Use your system of abbreviations and symbols to point out important material.to point out important material.

(Lipsky, 2004, p. 59).(Lipsky, 2004, p. 59).

SourcesSources• Bowlings English Page. Retrieved on June 8, 2005 from

http://lvillage.wsfcs.k12.nc.us/lv/hsmoun/hp.nsf/HomePages/bbowling

• Lipsky, S. (2004). The essential ingredients: College study. New Jersey: Pearson.

• LD Online. (2005) Teaching strategies. Retrieved on June 6, 2005 from http://www.ldonline.org/images/ld_indepth/memory_trategies_venn.gif

• Marshall, L. & Rowland, F. (1998). A guide to learning independently (3rd ed.). Australia: Longman.

• Oberline On line. (1996) Services for students with disabilities. Retrieved on June 1, 2005 from http://www.oberlin.edu/learning/Confidentialitystudents.html

• The NASA Science Files Homepage. (2004). Scientific method flowchart. Retrieved on June 6, 2005 from http://whyfiles.larc.nasa.gov/text/kids/Research_Rack/images/scientific_method01.gif

• Virginia Tech, Cook Counseling Center. Note taking: The cornell system. Retrieved on June 8. 2005 from http://www.ucc.vt.edu/stdyhlp.html

• Wong, L. (2003). Essential study skills (4Wong, L. (2003). Essential study skills (4thth ed.). Boston: Houghton ed.). Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co. Mifflin Co.