Why do you need to develop the skill of note making?
Being an independent learner means that you choose what to read and what is important. You will need to refer to the notes your make from your readings in order to revise for an exam or use in an assignment - so your notes need to be accurate.
The act of making notes will help you:
- focus
- understand
- remember
- use your own words - which will improve your writing
What is the purpose of notes?
You need to know your purpose of taking notes before you begin as it will make a difference as to how much detail you include or how much structure your notes have. You might need to read and understand a whole lecture or article, or you may be analysing an article for key points. You might be planning for revision or planning for an assignment.
Make sure your notes make sense
Your notes may make sense at the time, but may not when you go back to them later. Make sure your notes contain:
- full reference so that you can find the source
- use abbreviations - but make sure you use a key
- distinguish between quotations and paraphrases
- don't just copy content - read, think, analyse then make notes.
What style of notes should you use?
Use a style that feels best for you. There are lots of different options - here are a few for you to consider:
- handwritten
- tables with columns
- annotated word documents or PowerPoint slides
- Cornell method - key points in margin and summary at the end
- Mind maps
- OneNote: note taking software available via Microsoft Office 365 - so on your iPad.
Top Tips for note making:
- Try different styles of note-making to find out what suits you best
- You can try hand written notes or digital
- Make use of colour - different coloured text or use highlighters
- Break up your notes into bullet points
- Always read back through your notes to reinforce your learning.
For more help and information on note-making go to our guide: Note-making
