notes
before you begin
When you have found a few high-quality sources, you may feel ready to jump into notetaking. There are digital tools you can use: annotation apps and note taking templates. Using Google Docs to open a saved source is a good, simple approach. Use highlights in different colors for quotes, important dates, and other useful information and take notes in the comments.
Note Taking Templates
Click the slide to open in a new window. Then click the links to create a copy of any template. The links to Cornell Notes and Notecards templates are images. The graphic organizer templates can be accessed by clicking the links. Explore the options to find what works best for you.
Note Taking Resources.pdfTips for Note Taking
Pay attention to keywords, terms that repeat in a lecture or reading. Try to write down only the main ideas, and put as much as possible in your own words. Use visual clues such as stars, underlines, arrows, and brackets to make important points easier to find later.
Note Taking on Scholarly Articles
Taking notes on scholarly articles for your own research requires close reading and careful consideration. A format like the handout at right can help focus and organize your thoughts. Click here to make a copy.
