Transcript Reading for information

Learning Outcomes
1.
2.
3.
Differentiate between annotation,
outline notes, column notes, mind maps
and summary notes;
Develop skills of making notes from
printed matters; and
Use the note-taking suggestions to
develop good notes based on
classroom discussions.
Purpose of making & taking notes
Save time and effort in:
 Having to look for the original text; or
 Having to look through massive piles of
notes just to retrieve the specific
information that you need.
a) Annotation
Suitable for print materials, ie. Print
modules, textbooks, articles.
 Make notes by writing in the margins,
underlining facts, highlighting the main
points, etc.
 Help to remember main points without
having to read the text all over again.

b) Outline notes
Using only keywords and phrases.
 Usually sequentially numbered or headings
and subheadings.

c) Column notes

More appropriate for mathematics and
science courses
d) Mind maps
Show relationships among ideas and
concepts, with lines serving as links.
 Do not follow a linear sequence.

e) Summary notes

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A condensed version of the information,
written in paragraph form, using your
own words.
Used when you cannot impose
headings or subheadings for a text.
Making Notes from Printed Matter
Understand the objectives.
 Read the whole topic, then summarise.
 Leave spaces for additions/changes.
 Reread topics and improve notes.
 Use your own words.
 Put inverted commas for sentences that
you quote.
 Read over your notes to make sure you
understand them.

Preparing yourself for tutorials

Pre-reading helps you to:
 Activates your prior knowledge;
 Builds mental schemas; and
 Enables you to make intelligent connections.

Read through the whole topic to
familiarised yourself with the subject. It
will make note-taking easier.
Listening during tutorials
Be an effective listener in class by:
 Avoiding distractions that may interfere
with your concentration.
 Listen to the message being said. Pay
attention!
 Relate ideas to previous tutorial
discussions.
 Look for clues from the tutor in
illustrations, repetitions, etc.

Listening during tutorials
Take notes in class.
 Identify noteworthy materials. Do not
copy everything!
 Write down details of discussion ie.
date/time/tutor’s name/subject.
 Identify key issues, phrases.
 Create spaces for additional notes later.
 Use abbreviations if needed.

Review after tutorial



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Review your notes as soon as possible after
the tutorial.
Rewrite if necessary and fill the gaps.
Verify your notes against the
module/textbook.
Supplement your notes with further reading
of other books.
Read and reread your notes.
Use them to answer past examination
papers.
Keep it safe for easy retrieval.
Learning Skills: Note-Making and Note-Taking Skills by Open University Malaysia is licensed under a Creative Commons
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Based on a work at http://oer.oum.edu.my.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.oum.edu.my.