Topic 6: Taking Lecture Notes

Why it is important to take lecture notes?

1. Promotes active listening by helping you concentrate on the lecture.
2. Provides an accurate record of information that was presented in class
3. Helps you to organize the information 
4. Provides additional repetition

How to take lecture notes?

🔹prepare beforehand 

-read the text of certain subject before class

🔹become an active listener

-focus on the lecture physically and mentally 

Strategies for improving listening skills

1. Read before the lecture to build the background of the topic
2. Review your last set of notes before the lecture begins
3. Sit in the lecturer’s line of vision
4. Decide what you want to listen
5. Focus your attention. For example making eye contact with the speaker
6. Did not having any thought about unnecessary things (distractions).
7. Listen with an open mind, set aside your own biased
8. Control emotion responses
9. Ask and answer questions 
10. Listen for the main points and details to take notes
11. Monitor your listening. Check with lecturer or classmates

Effective Note-Taking system

1. Cornell Note-Taking System

•A sheet of paper is divided into three parts

•Left column is for main ideas and keywords, a right column is for lenghtier details

•The bottom is for a summary after the lecture or lesson

      2.  The Informal Outline

•To show major points and supporting ideas

      3.  The Block and Modified Block Method

The block method

•Block notes are written continuously across the page, separating the details by dashes (-) or slashes (/)

The Modified Block Method

•Having all of the information grouped under a heading without showing various levels of support as in an outline.

      4.  Mapping Method

•Commonly drawn from a central point, porpose or goal in the center of the page

and then branching outward

•To identify all the ideas connected to that goal