Taking Notes Why Take Notes Focuses your attention

Taking Notes

Why Take Notes? �Focuses your attention on the lecture content �Makes studying easier �Information retention is greater for note takers GS 101

Three Common Note-Taking Systems The Outline Technique The Cornell System The Mapping System GS 101

The Outline Technique �Organizes information using: � Headings and subheadings � Hierarchical order �Best Practice: � Write down information during the lecture � Organize into an outline after the lecture GS 101

The Cornell System �Divide page into two vertical sections � Section A: questions about information in Section B � Section B: actual notes from lecture �Can be modified to include a third section across the bottom of the page � Section C: additional summary comments � Referred to as a “T System” because it resembles an upside- down T GS 101

The Mapping System �Pictures of Information �Illustrates relationships GS 101

If you get lost while taking notes �Politely ask the instructor to repeat the information or slow down �If the instructor is unable repeat or slow down � Leave a blank space with a question mark where the missed information should appear � Obtain the missed information from the instructor or a classmate after class � GS 101

Using your laptop �Set up your computer prior to class �Be respectful of other students; some might be annoyed by the tapping of keys �Do not worry about spelling or grammar; these can be corrected later �Set tabs for specific note-taking systems prior to class GS 101

Use the system that works for you! GS 101