Note Making
We take notes to help us to remember information. Sometimes we need to copy information exactly: eg. quotations, definitions and formulae.
Note-making provides a framework within which we can think about, organise and recall relevant points and ideas.
Your notes are your personal response to a lecture or a text, and it is to your advantage to make them as useful as possible.
Lecture notes
Your style of noting in a lecture will vary according to the type of lecture. For example, notes from a History lecture will be quite different from those of a Chemistry one. You adapt to the style, subject and requirements of the lecturer. It is not necessary to record all that is said.
The following suggestions will enable you to develop a noting technique which will serve your needs:
- Head page with topic, subject, lecturer and date. Number and date sequential pages for each lecture.
- Allow a wide margin and space between sections for writing inserts and comments later.
- Use one side of the paper only
- Work out the lecturer's format. How does the lecture begin? Is there a blackboard plan? Diagrams to copy? Does s/he reiterate key points? Does s/he summarise at the end? All this helps you to structure your notes.
- Use abbreviations whenever possible. Be consistent to avoid confusion.
- Write by phrases rather than whole sentences. Don't quote at length - you'll lose the next points.
- Spend time at the end on detailed diagrams and graphs, rather than miss noting important issues.
- Revise your notes and underline or highlight key points as soon as possible.
This is very important.
In cases where material needs to be learned and consolidated for tests or exams, students sometimes rewrite lecture notes. It is a matter of choice.
If your lecturer is presenting you with arguments and ideas on a topic, your notes may include:
- The lecturer's thesis
- Supporting and conflicting evidence
- Sources and references cited
- Questions raised in the lecture.
Sometimes personal comments beside the notes will help you later.
Be selective in your research notes
Analyse your assignment topic before making notes. You are rarely asked to write down all you can think of about a topic. Usually you are required to show that you can interpret and use information to answer a specific question.
You will save a lot of time if your approach to the question is well-directed from the start. Information on question analysis and effective reading can be found in other leaflets in this series.
Here are some practical suggestions on noting from texts:
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Choose either index cards or A4 paper. Use one side only.
- Head page with topic and date
- Record full bibliographic details for later use
- Leave a margin and good spacing for later comments and highlighting
- You can also use the margin for headings that will direct your revision
- Use sub-headings and colour contrasts where appropriate
- Note chapter and page as you progress through a text
- Whenever possible, use your own wording to reach an understanding of the reading
- Keep your notes to a minimum
- If you need to use an exact, short quotation, copy it down accurately. Its source will need to be properly acknowledged in your paper.
- Avoid writing out large slabs of material by hand. Photocopy these and mark them to highlight key points. Label clearly with topic, date and bibliographic details as applicable. Store with your other notes.
- Organise and file your notes under subject and topic headings. This can be done alphabetically with a filing system, with clearly marked or coloured folders, or any way that works well for you.
- Store carefully. Your notes are irreplaceable.
If your notes seem like random pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, put them under the headings of your main points. When you see where they all fit, they will make a lot more sense.
Add your own thoughts and questions as well as relevant points from your lecture notes.
Use your notes not only for essay writing, but also for revision.
Before examinations you should be able to adapt the ideas, issues and facts in your notes to prepare for alternative questions on a topic.
Strive for an understanding of the material in your notes that would enable you to teach it to others.
Of course, all this sounds good, but will you be tempted to put it into practice? If your method is working well - great! If it's not, it's time to change.
For more information
- Check the shelves:
The ultimate book of mind maps: unlock your creativity, boost your memory, change your life 378.170281 LEO - Search the LLC Catalogue with the key terms 'note taking'
- Explore the web
- Ask a Librarian!
The LLC recommends these web links:
- Note making
Simple explanation on why, when and how to make notes.
