Dimension 5 - Taking Notes

Taking notes during lectures is an integral part of the learning process. We seem to implicitly know that note-taking is beneficial to us therefore most students are all too familiar with writing down paragraphs at lightning speed in class as the professor speaks. But, there is more to the process of taking notes than meets the eye.

What is note taking?

Essentially, note-taking is the process of recording key bits of information in a systematic manner to free the mind from the burden of recalling everything.

It is a complex task which involves :

1. Active listening,
2. Identification of key concepts,
3. Relating new information with previously learnt material,
4. Seeking answers to questions which arise from the new material, and
5. Reviewing

Phases of Taking Notes

Effective note taking has 3 phases; before class, during class, and after class.

Before Class:

• It's a good idea to go through material covered in the previous lecture.
• Not only does it help follow along the lecture better, but it also serves as revision.

During Class:

• Using different colored pens for highlighting specific points, or definitions, makes it stand out, and makes note-taking more fun.
• Avoid taking notes verbatim. Instead try and use abbreviations, symbols and codes to increase your speed of writing.
• Draw diagrams or flowcharts, as it gives greater clarity in understanding concepts and ideas.

After Class:

• Reading what you've written while it's fresh in your mind also serves as another revision.
• You can also go through your textbook, and highlight the interesting and important points.

Note Taking Strategies

The 5Rs (Record, Reduce, Recite, Reflect, and Review) are critical to the Cornell Note Taking System developed by Walter Pauk.

The system works like this -

• You have to divide the paper into two columns: the note-taking column and the questions/keyword column. Leave a few lines at the bottom of the page.
• Lecture notes should be written in the note-taking column, and long ideas should be paraphrased.
• Avoid long sentences - use symbols, abbreviations, diagrams or flow charts.
• Write relevant questions and key-words in the key-words column.

• Within a day, revise; write questions and a brief summary at the bottom of the page.
• That gives a concise, but detailed and relevant record of previous classes.
• When reviewing, you can cover the note-taking column while trying to answer the questions/key-words from the key-word column. (Source: http://lsc.cornell.edu/notes.html , https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornell_Notes )

The Split Page Method is similar to the Cornell Method however it is still a principle unto itself.

This method is best used in study situations where the notes taken during a lecture are combined with the information from the textbook.

To use this technique, simply fold a piece of paper in half. While attending the lecture, keep your notes to the left. Integrate the coordinating information from your textbook on the right.

Highlight any information or ideas for questions you might need to ask your professor. (Source: https://www.transcribe.com/article/note-taking-techniques/)

Mind Mapping is an extremely effective method of taking notes.

Mind Maps show not only facts, but also the overall structure of a subject, and the relative importance of individual parts of it.

They help associate ideas, think creatively, and make connections that you might not otherwise make.

Mind Maps are useful for summarizing information, for consolidating large chunks of information, for making connections, and for creative problem solving.

To use Mind Maps effectively, make sure you print your words, use different colors to add visual impact, and incorporate symbols and images to further spur creative thinking. (Source: https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newISS_01.htm)

Click here to learn how to make mind maps.

Benefits of Note-Taking

The correlation between taking notes and effective learning has been supported by several research studies.

• Taking notes during the lecture ensures attentiveness. It keeps your body engaged, preventing distraction and drowsiness.
• A set of concise notes from each class help to connect classroom learning to textbook reading.
• A study conducted in the Philippines revealed that taking notes is more beneficial to those who have a visual style of learning. Visual learners are people who prefer learning new material through graphs, diagrams and charts. (Source: http://research.uic.edu.ph/ojs/index.php/uicpj/article/view/477)
• Reviewing notes prior to exams aids the recall of factual material. It also facilitates the synthesis and application of new knowledge. (Source: http://www.math.lsa.umich.edu/~krasny/math156_crlt.pdf)

Experiment taking notes through the various methods and decide which one works best for you. You could stick to just one method or combine several methods. 

To learn more about effective study skills, stay tuned!