How to take notes

Note taking tips

Use as few words as possible - do not write out full sentences.
Use abbreviations.
Keep lots of space on the page as you take notes: skip lines between details and leave extra space to add information later.

Focus on what the teacher is saying.
Listen for “signal statements” like “The most important point is...” or “Remember that . . . “ Write down just main point.
Write down any information that the teacher repeats or writes on the whiteboard.
Write quickly so that you can include all the important information in your notes. Don't worry about sentences.
Write ? next to anything you are not sure about or didn't understand.

At the start of each session there will be a chance to review and go over anything you were confused by. Mention these when you are asked.

Write down the name of the book and the chapter or section you will be taking notes from.
Leave space for your own comments or questions - do these in a different colour pen.
Keep textbook notes separate from class notes. Use a separate section in your ring binder.

1.Skim read it first to get a general idea of what the reading is about.

2.Read the introduction, headings and subheadings, and any paragraphs that summarize the content.

3.Look at any illustrations or graphs and charts.

4. Now read the chapter or section carefully. Look for the main ideas.

5. Do not to copy directly from the textbook or try to put each sentence into your own words.

6. Summarise the information in your own words.

7. If you do copy directly from the textbook, use quotation marks to indicate that it is a direct quotation. Take care to copy the quotation exactly.

8. Sum up in just a few words the main ideas at the end of your notes.

You can take notes using diagrams if you prefer. To do this you

use a highlighter to pick out the key words from what you are reading.
Write each key word on to your paper
Use arrows ect. to join up key words in ways that help you make sense of the information.