Listen and Take Effective Notes

Activity (end of lesson)

Consider the following questions and write a brief response to each in about 10-15 minutes: Why do you think active listening will be important in

the workplace? What are the best ways you have found to use your

notes to prepare for quizzes, tests, and exams? What cues/key words did you pick up from today’s

lecture?

A DECISION TO BE FULLY FOCUSED WITH THE INTENT OF UNDERSTANDING THE

SPEAKER.

Attentive Listening

During class time, aim to be a central processor and a nonverbal reader

Strategies

Prepare to Listen Read assignments Be open-minded Position yourself to listen Reduce distractions Show that you are

listening

Stay Attentive Be quiet Stay focused Show empathy, respect,

and genuine interest Record Keywords

Observe the speaker—watch nonverbals (tone of voice, use of pitch, gestures, eye contact, expressions)

Predict and ask questions Integrate learning styles

and use all your senses Postpone judgment

Review What You Have Heard Paraphrase Assess Practice Awareness

A METHOD OF CREATING ORDER AND ARRANGING THOUGHTS AND MATERIALS

TO HELP RETAIN INFORMATION.

Note Taking

Steps to Note-Taking

Listening: want to learn, want to listen, want to maintain a positive attitude

Thinking: consider the meaning of what is said to be able to record the most important information to remember Instructors speak at 100-150 words/minute You think at 400 words/minute Prepare to think: read ahead

Writing: record the important information

Note Taking Systems

Cornell System of Note TakingFormal (Traditional) OutlinesInformal (Creative) OutlinesMind MapsCombination Note-Taking Systems

Cornell System

Notes Largest section; record information from class

lectures in the format that works best for youCues

Jot down cues, main ideas, phrases, keywords, or clarifications

Summary Summarize the class/session in your own words.

Cornell System of Note Taking

Formal (Traditional) Informal (Creative)

Uses Roman numerals and capital letters for subject headings, main points, etc.

Uses lowercase numbers and letters for supporting points

System is very consistent and organized—good for taking notes from chapters, papers, etc.

Free form outline that uses dashes, indenting, etc. to highlight main points

Useful in taking notes from classes since it allows you to focus on main ideas without worrying about specific rules

Outlines

A VISUAL, HOLISTIC FORM OF NOTE TAKING THAT STARTS WITH THE MAIN

IDEA PLACED IN THE CENTER OF A PAGE AND BRANCHES OUT WITH SUBTOPICS

THROUGH ASSOCIATIONS AND PATTERNS.

Mind Maps

Example Mind Map

Combination Note-Taking System

No two people take notes the same way. Effective note taking use a variety of

methods. Experiment to discover what method works

best for you.Listen, organize, record, and review material.

Extra Note-Taking Strategies

1. Go to every class and pay attention2. Be on time3. Sit up front4. Link information5. Use creative shorthand and focus on keywords6. Organize your notes—use 3-ring binder7. Use note cards8. Expand on notes from others9. Use your laptop10. Skip spaces between main concepts11. Label each page of notes (date, class, assignments)

“Note”-worthy Words

“…a major point…”“…pay special attention to…”“…note this…”“…an important reason…”“…don’t forget…”“…a chief cause/effect…”“…what do you think is the reason for this?”“…this will probably be on the test…”Repeated statementsNumbered lists

Activity

Consider the following questions and write a brief response to each in about 10-15 minutes: Why do you think active listening will be important in

the workplace? What are the best ways you have found to use your

notes to prepare for quizzes, tests, and exams? What cues/key words did you pick up from today’s

lecture?