NOTE TAKING

Tony ColomaFaculty member, PAREF Northfield School for Boys

What cognitive mechanisms are involved with note-taking?

W O R K I N G M E M O RY

Short-term storage Mental transformation of information

What you are currently thinking about

Manipulating and modifying what you are currently thinkingabout (Baddeley, 2000)

Comprehension and ProductionN O T E TA K I N G : W O R K I N G M E M O R Y

“Disturbance of the Force”

Reduce cognitive ”burden” and lead to production of notes ~ learning event is changed to transcription event (Muller & Oppenheimer)

Learn… or write…

Categories of Note Taking (Piolat, 2001)

LINEAR STYLES ~ note-taking in a format similar to conventional written texts or outlining, are some of the most common styles of notes used by students

NON-LINEAR STYLES ~ use graphical representations (ex. mapping method) allow students to organize the content of their notes in a systematic, yet unconventional fashion that may be difficult for others to understand easily

Cornell Method

Mind Maps

Outlines and Charts

Note Taking Methods

Cornell MethodRecordReduce Recite Reflect Review

Note Taking Methods

Cornell MethodRecordReduce Recite Reflect Review

Note Taking MethodsOn each page of notes, draw a vertical line 1.5 to 2 In from the left edge of the paper. In the left hand column, write key words, clues, or sample questions. In the right hand column, write out processes, concepts, definitions. Write the summary below.

Cornell MethodRecordReduce Recite Reflect Review

Note Taking Methods

Mind Maps

Note Taking Methods

Similar to traditional outline form—but you use visual links to communicate effectively with both halves of your brain.

Visual patterns provide a framework for recall.

Encourages deductive reasoning—moves information from general to specific

Mind Maps

Note Taking Methods

Image: http://www.lewiscenter.org/pictures/AAE/Departments/Science%20Home/mind_map1.png

Mind Maps

Note Taking Methods

Image: http://www.inspiration.com/sites/default/files/images/examples/SkeletalSystem.gif

Mind Maps

Note Taking Methods

Image: http://www.tvdsb.ca/webpages/cmacintosh/imageGallery/Science/health-map.jpg

Outlines and Charts

Note Taking Methods

Illustrates major points and supporting ideas

Main advantage – helps occupy your attention

Note taking becomes more than recording ideas

Information is organized for future review

Outlines

Note Taking Methodsthe OUTLINE METHOD is a outline of the material, divided into Main topics, SubTopics, and details. Outline notes look something like this:

I. First main topicA. Subtopic1. Detail2. DetailB. Subtopic

Outlines

Note Taking Methods

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Outlines

Note Taking Methods

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Charts

Note Taking Methods

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Determine the categories to be covered in discussion. Set up your paper in advance by columns headed by these categories. As you listen to the lecture, record information (words, phrases, main ideas, etc.) into the appropriate category

Charts

Note Taking Methods

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Charts

Note Taking Methods

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SQ4R

Note Taking Methods

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Question

Survey

Read

Record

Review

Recite

While Taking Notes

Taken from Michael Frizell’s presentation, Director MissouriState University

• Don't try for a verbatim transcript – Get all of the main ideas – Record some details, illustrations,

implications, etc.• Paraphrase – But remember that the speaker may serve as

a model• Integrate with other knowledge you already

have – But don't allow preconceived notions to

distort what you are hearing• Use form to indicate relative importance of

items – Underscore or star major points

• Leave plenty of white space for later additions

While Taking Notes

Taken from Michael Frizell’s presentation, Director MissouriState University

• Be an aggressive, not a passive, listener – Ask questions and discuss if it's permitted – If not, jot questions in your notes – Seek out meanings.– Develop a system of mechanics • Jot down words or phrases, not entire sentences • Develop some system of shorthand and be

consistent in its use • Leave out small service words • Use contractions and abbreviations • Use symbols +, =, &, @

After Taking Notes

Review and reword them as soon as possible

You should consider this in scheduling your work load

Don't just recopy or type – think!" Reminiscing " may provide forgotten material later Rewrite skimpy partsFill in gaps as you remember pointsArrange with another to compare notesFind answers to any questions remaining unanswered Write a brief summary of the event