Note taking techniques

Note-taking Techniques

Using different note-taking techniques is important, especially when you intend to improve and succeed in your studies. There are several note-taking techniques you can use to start taking better notes in class. However, before you start taking notes, consider the following:

1. Pay attention during the lesson: Avoid distractions that can take away your focus.

2. Listen to the first sentence or words by the speaker: The first sentence or words often act as a topic sentence or catchphrase relating to what the speaker intends to talk about. Example: "The language of instruction (LoI) is one of the controversial topics in Tanzania today." In this case, the speaker wants to talk about the language of instruction.

3. Write key points in point form: As you write, look out for cues from the speaker to help identify important points.

   • Speaker cues include:
     • Voice cues: Changes in tone or stress.
     • Writing on the board or employing gestures.
     • Discourse cues such as:
       • Listing points with numbers (e.g., "the number one factor is...").
       • Showing contrasting views using words like "but," "however," "nevertheless."
       • Adding points with phrases like "in addition...," "the next point is...," or "...another important issue to consider is..."
       • Concluding with phrases like "finally...," "lastly...," "in a nutshell...," "in conclusion..." or "having said that..."

Methods for Writing or Taking Notes

The Outlining Method

This is one of the most common ways to write notes.

How it works:

1. Write the title of the presentation at the top of the page.
2. Write the statement of the main point in the first line.
3. Align all the main points in the presentation with the first point.
4. Supporting points are written underneath the main points and are right indented.
5. Sub-points or illustrations of the sub-points are written underneath, right indented in order.

Example of the outline method: (You can add your own example here as needed)

1. Begin your notes with a single bullet point and write the main topic during the lesson.
2. Write the first sub-topic below the main topic and indent it slightly.
3. List any details below the heading and indent them slightly.
4. This method allows your notes to be well-organized, making it easy to see the relationship between topics and sub-topics.
5. It is also very easy to formulate questions from your notes if you did not get a point during the speech.

The Mapping Method

1. The mapping note-taking method is a visual way of organizing notes.
2. Notes are organized according to the topic at hand.
3. For example, the main topics branch out into sub-topics with detailed information about each.
4. Steps to use the mapping method:
   • Write the main topic.
   • Divide the main topic into sub-topics.
   • Write important notes underneath each sub-topic.
5. Example: (You can add your own diagram or example here)

1. This method is particularly useful for visually impaired learners.
2. It helps to remember and connect the relationship between topics.
3. It may also be used to plan and write different essays.

The Sentence Method

1. The sentence note-taking method involves writing down each topic as a sentence.
2. This method works well for fast-paced lessons, where a lot of information is being covered.
3. Each line on the page represents a new and separate topic.
4. To organize your notes:
   • Use headings for each main topic.
   • Write down the information the speaker emphasizes, either in sentential form or point form.
   • Start a new sentence or point for each new detail.
   • Use headings to further organize the topics.

1. This method helps one to determine which information is important and which is not.
2. One can cover many details and information quickly.
3. Notes are simplified for study and review.
4. The method allows the reader to tell or detect where a new thought begins and ends.

The Cornell Method

1. The Cornell note-taking method helps to organize class notes into easily digestible summaries.
2. It acknowledges that it is often not possible to take organized notes while listening to a speaker, so reviewing and organizing one's notes afterward is necessary (preferably shortly afterward to avoid forgetting).
3. This method is effective because:
   • The main points, details, study cues, and summary are all written in one place.
4. The paper is divided into three sections:
   • Left margin: for cues or key points.
   • Main notes section: for the detailed notes taken during class.
   • Summary section at the bottom: for a summary of the main points.
5. Example: (You can add your own diagram or sample here)

1. To take notes using this method, use the main notes column for all the notes from the lesson.
2. The smaller column on the left is for comments, questions, or hints about the actual notes.
3. After the lesson:
   • Take a moment to summarize the main ideas on the page in the section at the bottom. This will speed up your reviewing and studying process.
   • Writing a summary helps you to remember and digest the information.

Advantages of the Cornell Method:

• Notes are neatly organized, summarized, and easy to review.
• It allows you to extract major ideas and concepts.
• In the summary section at the bottom, write a summary of your notes and highlight the main points.

The Charting Method

1. The charting note-taking method uses columns to organize information.
2. The page is divided into columns labeled by category.
3. Details of each category are filled in rows.
4. When information is mentioned, jot it down underneath the appropriate column.
5. When the next topic begins, move down one row and begin again.
6. Example: (You can add your own charting format here)