Note-Taking from Text is Simple > Follow This
By Jean Bonnyman - FF/S
Any person setting out on a Web search for the best note-taking system could be quickly overwhelmed by all the choices. This is especially true with all the new technology available today, which can sound amazing but actually bring a novice note-taker away from the basic necessary skills. Here is what you need to know to develop a note-taking system that works for you.
Keep it Simple
Note-taking skills take practice, and no system will ever do the work or thinking for the student. Taking notes from text requires the reader to be involved with the reading. This means the reader must first find the topic of the section or paragraph(s), and then note the details of that topic. This requires thinking (processing) as the reader reads: looking for people, places, things of importance; asking questions; thinking about what the teacher would emphasize.
Rule 1: Chunk the Information
Chunking information is how we remember things best, and telephone numbers are a great example (chunks of 3, 3 and 4). Notes must be chunked by topic and supporting details, with a line skipped between topics. The skipped line is a very important visual help, so be sure to do this. Looking at a solid page of writing is just a sea of words, they all run together.
Rule 2: Use Bullets, Not Sentences
The details under the topic should never be complete sentences, just bullets. Skip small unnecessary words, use abbreviations or symbols for words, and don’t write on both sides of the paper (obviously if you are using a computer, this isn’t an issue). An example of some symbols might be directional arrows like “>” for next, a small triangle for change, “bc” for because, and “nec” for necessary. As you gain more experience with note taking (and it takes practice), you will develop your own “shorthand” that speeds up your note-taking process. Why do this? It saves time, it’s efficient, and it’s easier to memorize.
Instant Outline
Whether you put the topic on the left margin of the page with the details on the right, or list topic above the details doesn’t matter, as long as the material is in concise chunks. Now you have an outline (the topics) ready to quiz yourself (on the details) before the test. This is the most efficient and effective way to learn, organize and remember information.
Remember: You’re Always Working Toward the Test
You are always working toward the test, so the point is to take notes that help you learn and understand the material. A half-hearted effort because you “just have to do the assignment” is a waste of your time, because reading through the material again before a test is just repeating what you should have done the first time. The more you practice note-taking, the better you will become.
Check out the following Web sites for more information on taking notes:
https://www.landmarkoutreach.org/TwoColumnNote-takingMethod.htm
https://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/28/technology/personaltech/28basics.html
