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• test/quiz details (dates, type of test, supplies.) • lab book or journal instructions • deadlines for anything in a class
Rule #4: B judgey. Write down the topic or title of the lesson, then listen for main and supporting points and important details. This is where students often get sidetracked: “Isn’t everything my teacher says important?” Yes and no. Note-taking requires you to make judgements about what’s important and what is not quite as important . Don’t scribble down everything your teacher says or you’ll end up with a disorganized mess. Deciding what to write is not hard. Here are some tips: Tip: Teachers are usually obvious about what they think is important—after all, they want you to learn! They may repeat a point or say something like “The most important points are...” or “You will be responsible for knowing this...” Tip: Your teacher may write words or phrases on the board or on a power point, or create examples . Copy them into your notes. PRODUCT PREVIEW Tip: Look for patterns to emerge in how information is conveyed by your teacher . An observant student can learn to pick up on verbal cues such as changes in the volume of their teacher’s voice, transitional pauses, or use of words signifying the introduction of a main point. Tip: Do the assigned reading before class! Generally, a lecture or lesson will key off of reading material . If you have actively read the textbook, you should be able to identify the main ideas. If you are confused about something said in a lecture, stay clam and carry on. Don't get distracted. Put a “?” in your notes and leave a little extra space. Ask your teacher to clarify after class. If you miss something entirely, leave a blank line and fill it in later. Skip a line between ideas and concepts to make your notes easier to comprehend. Rule #5: B short. When taking notes, use key words, phrases or very short sentences . Eliminate the , a and an . Don’t stress about spelling or grammar. Use abbreviations, which are shortened forms of a word or phrase, much like expressions and symbols you use to text. Abbreviations help you take notes quickly, without sacrificing accuracy. Be consistent in their use so the abbreviations become part of your personal note-taking vocabulary. Abbreviate countries, states, cities, dates, measurements, chemicals, and commonly used words. Use symbols such as # for number or pound, @ for “at”, $ for money, & or + for “and.” Rule #6: It’s not a beauty contest. Don’t be put off of note-taking because your notes don’t look as neat or pretty as the ones taken by the overachieving student next to you. Your notes need to work for you and no one else. (We’ll explore note- taking forms and strategies in the next chapter.)
Chapter 15 | Navigating Notes 132
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