PURPOSE
Research skills on computer and in the library as well as note-taking skills are discussed and developed in the GATHER step. Each skill is discussed, taught and implemented.
NOTE-TAKING TIPS
1. Be prepared with the appropriate paper and pens or pencils at the beginning of each class. Always date each page and put on the subject and source.
2. Listen carefully. Keep your mind on what the teacher is saying. Try not to look at or think of anything else. Listen for key words from the teacher such as: "Remember this," "This is important," "Finally." Listen to your teacher's voice. Louder words are often important to write down and remember
3. Watch the speaker closely. Forms of gestures, facial expressions, items written on the board, certain types of pauses, the way the teacher emphasizes and illustrates a point or concept -vocally, dramatically, quietly or with some particular device like a picture, slide object, etc. can provide clues to important information.
4. Take notes in your own words. Don't write down every word the teacher says. Write the important words and phrases to help you to remember. Quotes, rules, laws or formulas should, however, be written exactly.
5. Shorten words and use phrases instead of sentences.
6. Write down the main ideas and supporting details in a preliminary outline form or write the main idea and then indent as you write the supporting details.
7. Fold your paper in half the long way. Write on the right side and leave the other side to add information you might get later, or skip a line in between each line of notes to add additional facts.
8. Use abbreviations to help you such as the following: e.g. for example
- w/ (with)
- w/o (without)
- re: (regarding)
- etc. (et cetera)
- = (equal)
- b/c (because)
- b/t (between)
9. Rewrite your notes the same day that you take them to clarify ideas and to add additional information.