Note taking skills
Introduction
Introduction
Note taking can help you record keys facts from information presented to you in either written or verbal forms. This page will also introduce you to the Cornell Notes system once we have shared some basic hints and tips with you.
Note taking can help you record keys facts from information presented to you in either written or verbal forms. This page will also introduce you to the Cornell Notes system once we have shared some basic hints and tips with you.
Note taking hints and tips
Note taking hints and tips
1. Don't write down every word
1. Don't write down every word
2. Decide what is important
2. Decide what is important
3. Be an active listener/reader
3. Be an active listener/reader
4. Use symbols and abbreviations
4. Use symbols and abbreviations
5. Use colours
5. Use colours
6. Revise your notes as soon as possible
6. Revise your notes as soon as possible
7. Be consistent
7. Be consistent
8. Improve your handwriting
8. Improve your handwriting
9. Forget spelling and grammar (as long as your meaning is clear)!
9. Forget spelling and grammar (as long as your meaning is clear)!
10. Avoid plagiarism and use paraphrasing instead
10. Avoid plagiarism and use paraphrasing instead
The Cornell notes system
The Cornell notes system
The Cornell system is focussed on encouraging note takers to use a specific format or layout whilst taking notes. It suggests that users create note taking pages with three distinct sections, these are:
The Cornell system is focussed on encouraging note takers to use a specific format or layout whilst taking notes. It suggests that users create note taking pages with three distinct sections, these are:
1. Note taking area - Write you main notes here. Applying the reading and listening skills described in our other pages would also help!
1. Note taking area - Write you main notes here. Applying the reading and listening skills described in our other pages would also help!
2. Summary area - At the end of your note taking write a brief summary of what you have noted to help reinforce the key points.
2. Summary area - At the end of your note taking write a brief summary of what you have noted to help reinforce the key points.
3. Recall area - Write a keyword that will associate to each point written in your original note taking area
3. Recall area - Write a keyword that will associate to each point written in your original note taking area
Handy hint: To see if you are getting your notes right try covering the note taking area and use the summary and recall sections to find out what you can remember!
Handy hint: To see if you are getting your notes right try covering the note taking area and use the summary and recall sections to find out what you can remember!
Example Cornell notes page
Example Cornell notes page
Here is a free resource you are welcome to open and save as your own if you wish to start using the Cornell system.
Here is a free resource you are welcome to open and save as your own if you wish to start using the Cornell system.
Cornell Note taking pageFinal note taking skills self assessment
Final note taking skills self assessment