NOTETAKING STRATEGIES

OUTLINING

Paraphrasing

It is impossible for student to take good notes or they cannot put materials into their own words. They must be able to listen or read and paraphrase the main idea.

Traditional format

Using Roman numerals, alpha characters and numerals to record information in a formal, specified manner.

Divided page format

This format provides a built-in provision for active study. A line is drawn about 3” from the left margin. The widest section of the page is for notes, the smaller for marginal questions.

Skeletal outline

Depending on the students’ abilities, they can practice by constructing a skeletal outline to acquaint them with a format.

Semantic mapping/webbing

This method provides a way to identify main and supporting ideas in a graphic form. It can help understanding of how concepts relate to one another.

Note cards

Cards on which students can take notes formal or informal, with one subject/topic/idea per card.

Formal - Traditional outline form used; sentences or phrases

Employed.

Informal- One thought per card

Phrases/descriptions are all related to the same idea

even though they may come from numerous

pages/sources.

Highlighting

Underlining or highlighting the important ideas and details is important in study process. Techniques to stress when teaching about highlighting:

Highlight/underline after reading; only then do you know what

the main ideas really are.

Be selective. Highlight just enough to understand.

Use stars, circles, boxes, etc. or key ideas.

For list of reason, use numbers.