Note taking methods and reading techniques for university students

1. Note taking strategies Orna.Farrell@dbs.ie

2. Discussion questions Is taking notes important? What method do you use? When do you take notes?

3. Why take notes? To note down facts To contrast similarities and differences To summarise main points To help pay attention To review and revise To record thoughts & brainstorm

4. Types of note taking Prose/linear Many students use this format basically written paragraphs While this type can provide a summary the disadvantages are that it encourages verbatim copying doesn't allow for organisational strategy use

5. Types of note taking Mind mapping/spider diagrams The notes start in the middle of a page and 'explode' out towards the edge of the page. The advantage is that it is very visual, allows for structure and displays relationships. They are very useful for review and recall, brainstorming and revision purposes. Another advantage is that a lot of information can be condensed Disadvantages include they are hard to produce, especially from lectures and they require practice

6. Why mind map? Using words, numbers and sentences only uses one side of your brain: the left Your right brain responds to colours, shapes and sound Mind mapping uses both left and right brain skills Interview with Tony Buzan

7. Making a mind map Spicy nodes www.spicynodes.org Choose a topic The floods Climate Change X factor The Ryan report on child abuse Dublin Business School Spend five minutes creating a mind map

8. Types of note taking Cornell Method This method involves drawing a line down the page, about 1/3 from left side of page. The right side is used to record notes. The left side is reserved for key words and main points. These can be done after the lecture, when trying to condense the information. The advantage of this method is that it forces the note taker to select main points;

9. Types of note taking Outline The advantage of this method is that it is more visual and allows for the structure. It forces the note taker to create main points. A disadvantage is that sometimes the material is not conducive or provided in such a format that lends itself to outlining

10. Taking Notes in Lectures Taking notes in lectures involves being an active listener Focus on the content not the speaker Review previous notes for better continuity & comprehension Listen for key words Spend a few minutes discussing the lecture at the end

11. Taking Notes from readings The SQRNR Reading Method Survey the text Question: make questions about the text Read & underline key words Make notes Revise

12. Further reading www.spicynodes.org Buzan, T. (2002) How to mind map. London: Thorsons. http://www.buzanworld.com/ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlabrWv25qQ