Getting the most from lectures and seminars including

Getting the most from lectures and seminars, including note-taking www. kent. ac. uk/learning

Lectures and seminars This talk will discuss: • The format and purpose of lectures and seminars • How to make the most of them • How to listen and take notes

Lectures The importance of lectures: • Share core up-to-date knowledge about module • Introduce/evaluate evidence that supports module • Examine alternative views and theories • Logical sequence

Before your lecture • Know the context of the lecture • Carry out essential background reading/tasks • Anticipate the general content • Anticipate the structure • Turn up on time, fit and alert, and well-equipped

During your lecture: listening • Stay alert, listen, keep track, follow structure • Record lecture (ask permission) • Listen and write at the same time • Listen extra carefully to the conclusion • Be there!

During your lecture: note-making To take good lecture notes you should: • Listen as you write • Key points, theories, arguments, terms, definitions • Circle anything that requires later clarification • Use acronyms (initials) and other shorthand devices • Find a system that works for you

After your lecture • Wait for appropriate time, but then don’t be shy • Formulate questions in advance • Listen to, acknowledge and note down reply • Compare notes with fellow students • Amend, improve, tidy notes so they can be revisited • Summarise briefly on a note template

Notes template Module/lecture/seminar/date/time/details: Summary of main points: Further/additional reading: Follow-on questions

Seminars The importance of seminars: • Small group discussion • Delving deeper into module topic To make the most from them: • Prepare • Participate

Before your seminar The same principles and techniques apply: • Preparation - Confirm the date, time and format - Understand how the seminar relates to your lecture and module - Complete any advance reading or tasks - Make/take a condensed summary of lecture notes - Consider a few questions you might ask

During your seminar • Keep your summary notes to hand • Take fresh notes as the seminar unfolds • Practise active listening • Jot down points you’d like to make, or questions, as they occur to you • Try to participate • Think before you speak, short and timely contributions • Don’t be afraid to ask.

After your seminar • Confer with your fellow students • Refine and clarify your notes - Notes template • Look ahead - Related assignments - Further reading - Next lecture

Further resources • Study guides/Student Learning Advisers https: //www. kent. ac. uk/learning/

Get in touch… The Student Learning Advisory Service is committed to continually improving the quality of service we offer to our students. Your feedback is very important to us. Please contact us at learning@kent. ac. uk

Get in touch… SLAS CONNECT To book an appointment: www. kent. ac. uk/learning@kent. ac. uk SLASkent Kent. Uni. SLASkent