Transcript Selling an Idea or a Product - Pellissippi State Community
Become An Efficient Note-Taker
Developed by Gayle Wood Pellissippi State Technical Community College
Test Your Notes
Do they make sense to you?
Do your notes from the beginning of the semester still make sense?
After your last test did you find the answers to most of the questions in your notes?
If you had to explain what was covered in the class to a friend would your notes cover all the key points?
Classroom Observation Skills
Complete outside assignments Being familiar lets you notice more in class.
You already have the framework in your mind; now you can finish.
Bring the right material Pen, pencil, paper, book, etc.
Sit Front and Center
Fewer distractions Less likely to fall asleep Material on the board is easier to see Instructors do better with small audiences
Short Pre-class Reviews
Note questions.
Arrive early to review notes, the chapter, etc.
Cover headings, introduction, summary, bold- face type, and dates.
See how the chapter is organized.
In mind not just body
Accept that your mind wanders.
Pay attention to the instructor.
Imagine that the lecture is a personal talk to you.
Pay attention to body language and facial expressions of the instructor.
Let go of judgments about the lecture style.
Instructors have idiosyncrasies.
Your judgments can cause you to ignore signals or not pay attention to what is said.
Mind and Body continued
Participate in class activities.
Ask questions.
Volunteer for demonstrations.
Join in-class discussions.
Notice your environment.
To keep from daydreaming, notice the temperature, lighting, feel of the furniture, etc.
Watch for clues
Be alert to repetition.
When an instructor repeats something, it is important.
Listen for introductory, concluding, and transition words and phrases.
Also listen for phrases that signal relationships, definitions, new subjects, cause and effect, or examples.
More Clues
Watch the board
If the instructor takes the time to write on the board, it is usually IMPORTANT.
Copy all diagrams, drawings, equations, names, places, dates, statistics, definitions, etc.
Tips, Tips, Tips
Watch the instructor’s eyes.
An important signal is a glance at notes before making a point.
Don’t ignore obvious clues.
When told point blank the information will be on a test.
Notice the instructor’s interest level.
Excitement about a point, or more animation is a signal.
Different Methods of Note-Taking
The Cornell Method (or T Method).
Draw a vertical line, top to bottom.
Write your notes to the right of the line.
Write key words and sample questions on the left side.
Fill in the left side when you review your notes.
The Cornell Method
The Outline Method
Write notes in outline form.
Use either a traditional Roman numeral form or a free-form. Just organize the information!!!
I. (Roman numeral = Topic) A A. (Capital letter = Subtopic) o
>
(Regular numeric order = sub-subtopic) a. (Small letter = details of subtopics)
Mind Maps
Place the main idea at the center of the page.
Record supporting ideas on lines branching out.
Write supporting facts on lines branching from these ideas.
Make separate maps for large points.
Combine maps and other techniques.
Another Example of Mapping
Notes in Paragraphs
Use few complete sentences, just put general ideas.
Use complete sentences for precise definitions, quotes, and important points.
Write related thoughts in a paragraph with space for additional points.
The Charting Method
Draw columns and label appropriate headings in table.
Determine categories to be covered in advance.
Works best if the lecture is distinct. PERIOD 1941-45 IMPORTANT PEOPLE FDR – President of USA EVENTS WWII SIGNIFICANCE USA Involvement Bombing of Pearl Harbor The Depression
Use only key words and terms
Use key words Write down words or phrases that contain essential information.
Identify technical terms, names, numbers, equations, etc.
Use words that bring images to mind.
Use key words that trigger your memory.
Use a three-ring binder
Pages can be removed and spread out to review.
Handouts can be inserted where they belong. Out-of-class notes can also be inserted in the correct place.
Additions, corrections and revisions are easier.
Organize, Organize, Organize
Use only one side of your paper.
Keep your personal thoughts separate.
This avoids confusing your thoughts with facts. Label your comments if you do put them in.
Use standard abbreviations.
Otherwise when you are reviewing for a test you might become confused.
It is best to make a key for those abbreviations you do make up.
Use a “lost” signal
Everyone gets lost sometimes, so mark it with a special signal.
Later, ask your instructor, a classmate, or find the answer in your book.
Be honest when you are lost because the only one you will hurt is yourself if you don’t.
Label, number, and date all notes
Put the date, class, and how many pages on all pages so you can figure out their order if they get separated. Be sure your name and number are in your books because they are expensive to replace.
Use White Space
Do not cram your notes together; they will be hard to read.
With white space, you can go back and add information later. Easy to read notes can decrease your tiredness during review.
Avoid Tape Recorders
They are too relaxing, you can miss key points.
It takes too much time to listen to the lecture again.
A tape recorder cannot answer questions.
A recorder can run out of tape, malfunction, or noises can cover what is said.
If it is important, use complete sentences.
When an instructor repeats a sentence word for word, it is a signal to know this information.
Technical definitions need to be worded precisely because changing just one word can change the definition.
Review
Review within 24 hours Short-term memory is just that--short. A quick review can save information.
It can be as short as 10 minutes.
A review can salvage even sloppy and garbled notes.
If a lecture was difficult, review the notes within the hour.
24 hours after learning, most students remember less that 20% of the material unless it has been reviewed.
???
Edit notes Fix words that are illegible first.
Write out abbreviated words you might not understand later.
Make sure you can read all your notes.
Be sure your notes are labeled and the pages are numbered.
???
Organize your notes with graphic signals.
During your first review, add arrows, brackets, and other signals to help organize your notes.
Circle related concepts, fill out diagrams, and illustrate important points.
Key Words
Fill in key words in left-hand column.
Go through your notes and write key words or phrases and their definitions in the left-hand column.
Use key words as cues to recite.
Cover your notes on the right side leaving only key words visible.
Recite everything you know related to that word going down the page.
Check your notes to see what important points you may have missed.
Review - Before and After
Conduct short weekly review periods.
Review all your notes once a week take for as little as 20 minutes.
Refine your notes as you review.
Conduct pre-class reviews.
Link information for each lecture to the preceding lecture.