Headings and Themes

Raw Notes, Quotes, and Contents

Reactions/ Insights/ Ideas/ Questions

Use a 2-inch column to indicate major headings or themes.

Use a 4-inch column for your raw lecture notes and direct quotes.

Use a 2-inch column to critically evaluate information and ask questions.

Headings or Themes

Raw Notes or Content

Reactions/ Insights/ Ideas/ Questions

Being a good note-taker requires advance  preparation.

Four parts to taking good notes:

Summary:

Pre-class prep “may involve physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual preparation”.

Physical preparation means eating well and getting enough exercise.

Intellectual prep involves reading the syllabus and knowing what will be covered each day.  Looking ahead in the book will prepare for the lecture and also build on previous themes.

Conducting one’s own research also serves to enhance understanding, and as good preparation for future tests and lectures.

Try to anticipate where the lecture will go (like a movie), and try to predict the ending.

Emotional and spiritual prep involve attitude.  Arriving early enough to get comfortable may help me prepare emotionally and spiritually for hearing a lecture.

1. Prepare for the lecture in advance.

2. Take effective notes during the lecture.

3. Revise the notes immediately after class.

4.  Study the notes (as prep for any future use of the material).

PERS (Prep, Effective, Revise, Study)

“Spiritual prep”???  Sounds pretty lame to me.

(I have noticed that I can concentrate longer if I stay in shape.)

ß Especially if the teacher lectures from the book [yawn].

Why should I do my own research?  Isn’t that what researchers are for?  I need to think about this one.

(Need to be careful not to plan consecutive classes that require a hike in between.)

ß I rarely revise my own notes.  (No wonder I forget facts; doh!)

Make time after class to revise!  Ask teacher if I can use this classroom.