ANNOTATION Tips on how to annotate a reading

ANNOTATION Tips on how to annotate a reading

Aims for the Annotation Class • To understand the difference between annotation and note taking • To understand why we annotate – what are the benefits? • To learn about some techniques that we can use for annotation • To practice annotating an article • To annotate in preparation for a discussion

Annotation What do you normally do in terms of writing notes down when reading? What techniques work for you?

What is the difference between note taking and annotation? • Difference depends on the quality of the notes being taken. General comparisons are: Note taking Annotation Notes taken on a separate page Notes added directly to reading Notes formed in order of when text is read Note taking is more flexible and may require returning to points Recording information with possible questioning Deeper engagement with the text

How to Mark a Book • What surprised you about this discussion on annotation? • Do you think it is a good idea? Why? • What did you think when you saw the image of the annotated page?

Why Annotate? • To gain a deeper understanding of the content of the reading • Allows you to categorize your note taking to find information easily • Encourages you to focus more on the text and its significance as a stand alone piece, but also in a broader context • Allows you to prepare for discussion more thoroughly • Allows you to interact with the reading, rather than taking the information like a passive observer • Develops your writing skills • What you see in the text will become the foundation for the discussions

Annotation Tools & Techniques Highlighting • Highlight points of interest in yellow • Uninterrupted by other colours or lines • Intended to be clear for when you return

Annotation Tools & Techniques Pencils • Use pencil instead of pen • Use Marginalia to make comments in the margins • Interlineations are notes between the text • Create your own marking system The Text • Use inside cover to make a list of key information with pages noted. • Key information can be categorized e. g. themes, character’s, scenes, definitions etc.

Annotation Tools & Techniques Using marks • Develop your own system of marks using symbols e. g. question marks for an unclear phrase; smiley faces for things you like etc. Summarize • Summarize passages with marginal comments • Helps you return to sections and find information • Use tables, diagrams etc. to summarize key ideas Other Marginal Comments • Note your agreements and disagreements with the text • Make connections to other texts, issues, memories etc. • Circle words you are unfamiliar with and create a glossary • Mark literary devices to appreciate writer’ style • Cross reference other texts with page numbers

Annotating Examples Annotating the Wilkerson piece