TOPIC 5 : TAKING LECTURE NOTES

WEEK 4 (8/8/2018)

BY SIR MOHD ZAHID LATON

               

What is lecture notes?

Lecture notes is notes made by a person who attends a lecture.

Reasons why we need to take lecture notes.

Ø Promotes active listening because we are writing while listening.

Ø Provides accurate record of information because we heard it straight from the lecture.

Ø Provides an opportunity to interpret, condense and organize information.

Ø Provides an opportunity for repetition of the material because notes can be keep and bring to anywhere.

A. How to take lecture notes

               Before taking notes

1.     Read text assignments before class start or while waiting for the lecturer to come to the class.

This will helps us to :

ü know or understand more about the background of the topic

ü have some ideas on what the lecture is about

ü identify main points from the lecture easily when we know what the topic is about

ü be familiar with the key words to find the point easily

2.     Get ready to take lecture notes.

ü Sit in front of the classroom which allows you to see and hear better.

ü Review the notes that you took during the previous class.

ü Become an active listener.

3.     Strategies for improving listening skills.

   

  i. Read the text assignments before the lecture.

 ii. Review the last set of notes of the previous class.

iii. Focus your attention physically by sitting up and making eye contact with speaker.
iv. Listen with open mind and control your emotions.

v. Ask and answer questions. Ask to the lecturer or classmate if you are unsure of some of the information.

B. Note-Taking System

 Cornell note-taking system

       

                                       Example of Cornell note-taking system

•             Put the topic as the headings.
•       Write simple notes in the largest section of the page.
•             Write down potential questions in the left column.
•             Summarize the notes in the bottom section of the page.

C. What is the content of the notes?

                    i.         Headings.

            Headings is the main point of the note. For example, lecture notes.

                  ii.       Details.

Details can be facts or explanation that are related to the main point. It also can be definition, enumerations or lists of things that are discussed, terms or anything that is written on whiteboard and PowerPoint by the lecturer.

     Discussion class

o   Some lecturers prefers discussion format for certain subject which you can easily take note during discussion.

    Mathematics and Science class

o   This class usually requires special technique to take notes. Listen carefully and jots down any points related to the topic.

     PowerPoint class

o   Use headings and subheadings in PowerPoint presentation to make notes. Identify the points and write it down.

    Online lecture notes

o   You still need to take notes in order to stay actively engaged in class to get condense material and organize material in your way and words.

o   Use the lecturer’s set of notes to get the background knowledge while use the online notes to understand more and edit your notes.

D.     Reviewing notes

•         Recite from headings
•          Recite from the recall questions
•          Talk about information with others