Note-taking from reading

Note-taking from reading

Last week, we focused on reading for your assignments. This time, we are looking at the process of taking notes as you read.

Each person needs to find the way that works best for them. Some students will prefer to be more traditional with linear notes like lists and bullet points. Others will prefer to be more visual and use mind maps and spider diagrams. Some will write freehand on paper and others will prefer to type using a computer. Below, are a few tips (largely taken from the further reading resources below) which are relevant whichever way you use.

Photo CC0 https://pixabay.com/en/student-concentrated-preparation-1178024/

• Prepare beforehand - remind yourself what you are taking notes about and what exactly you are trying to find out. This will ensure that from the outset you are aiming to keep your notes relevant.

• Decide how you want to organise your notes. Are you going to have different page for each theme or argument?  Remember to number your pages as well as you go so that you can read them back in the right order!

• You may want to start by highlighting or underlining text. This is especially useful with e-books as you can save highlighted text in different colours and annotations and access them from your bookshelf (remember to log in first). Please don't do this in library books!

• Notes should be brief. Avoid full sentences. Create your own abbreviations and use them consistently.

• Leave space before moving to a new point so you can add details later (perhaps from another source).

• Don't try and write down everything. Initially try reading without your pen in your hand (or hands on the keyboard/ mouse) to resist the temptation to do so.

• Try and write in your own words where possible. This shows you have understood what you are reading and you will need to do this when you come to write your assignment anyway.

• Note viewpoints and arguments, not just facts, making sure you also note who the viewpoints belong to. You may want to decide on a specific way to record your views as you go along.

• Note names and quotations exactly including page numbers and resource details for your citations and bibliography.

Sources and further reading 

The LRC has Stella Cottrell's book The Study Skills Handbook (shelved at 371.3) which has a section on note-making.

We also have an e-book Improving your study skills: study smart. Study Less. by Shelley O'Hara which has a chapter on taking notes. Read this in college or outside using your PRC network login.

ARU has a note-making guide which covers note-taking from lectures as well as from reading.

The SkillsYouNeed website also gives some useful note-taking advice.

OneNote

PRC computers have OneNote software on them so you can create your own online notebooks with sections and add notes, links, images etc. A useful feature is that the URL of anything copied from the internet is automatically added. There is of course other software and apps available which you may prefer to use.