Module 6

TAKING EFFECTIVE NOTES

By : Sir Ahmad Faris

Taking notes

Writing down ideas from lecturer and reading in our own words.

Taking a note can help us :

• Pay attention
• Study for quiz, test or final exam
• improve memory
• Take ownership of ideas
• Organize and process data of information
• Engage our sense
• Lecturer test students

Why we need to take note ?

v  We lose 80% of what we hear after class

v   Identify any questions for peer or ask the lecturer

v   Not enough time to absorb all the information

v  Think “ If I were tested on this lecture tomorrow, would I face it ?” Make it so !

Before class begin

• Review the note from the day
• Review your reading assignment
• Date on the top for note
• leave space (to add information latter)

In class

Seating §  Near the front and center

                (better hearing)

Avoid distraction §   Doorways, peers

After class

• Review note along the book
• Create our own example
• Compare note
• Re-write note

HOW ???

Date and label, give space to write, use abbreviations & symbols, use own language and use outline to show the main ideas, support and example.

Preparation for class

• Do pre-reading & homework
• Review syllabus
• Review previous note
• Look up key words prior to class
• Plan on listening 80% of the time
• Date on the top
• Leave space to add information

Be an aggressive and active listener while doing note.

• Ask question & discuss 
• If not, jot question

Key action to note as you observe your instructor

• Be alert to repetition
• Watch the board or overhead projector
• Notice the instructor's interest level
• Let go of judgement about lecture style

Note taking method.

 1. Cornell note taking

 2. 2 column method

3. Outline

 4. Mapping method

 5. SQ3R

 6. Sentence method