Differentiate with Note-making and Note-taking

The difference between note-making and note-taking is substantial and could mean the

difference between a pass and a credit pass or indeed a pass and a fail.

Note-taking involves:

Writing down most of what you hear or read without actually processing the

information

Notes usually being copied from the original source and re-written in a similar

format

Notes being taken that are often unselective, trying to cover most or all of the

information without highlighting the main points or issues.

Taking notes can be useful for study, but it is a passive approach to study and learning – this

starkly contrasts with the more active approach known as note-making.

Note-Making

Note-making is a more intellectual task than note-taking as it involves selecting,

analysing and summarising what you hear or read. It also involves being able to strike a

balance between listening / reading actively and making a record of it. Note-making is

therefore an active approach to study as it:

Forces you to think, because you have to make decisions about what to write

Helps you to pay attention to what you are reading, or listening to

Assists your understanding of new material if the notes are organised in your own

way and in your own words

Helps you to concentrate

Helps you to remember more information

Makes it easier to distinguish between important issues and detail

Provides a permanent record.

Facilitates learning; lectures or books can become clearer later upon reflection and reviewing of your notes.