IMPORTANCE OF NOTE TAKING AND TYPES OF NOTE TAKING

IMPORTANCE OF NOTE TAKING

 

Note taking is an essential learning skill for college students to implement during and outside of class time. The notes recorded during a class lecture should be compiled of the important facts or ideas presented by the professor. Implementing a system of note taking is important for several reasons. First, the faculty member may be presenting supplemental material not found in your text book but critical for you to learn in order to make a connection to prior knowledge or introduce new material within your textbook. Secondly, the information presented within a lecture may be used for future assessments (quizzes, exams, reflection papers).  Finally, a system of good note taking is an important study strategy. Actively listening and taking notes during class increases the retention of the material. Reviewing the notes immediately after class to add additional points or to generate questions for clarification creates opportunity for additional retention and understanding. Effective note taking skills will assist in preparing for exams and future knowledge base of material.

 

Note-taking is important because it helps you learn, retain information, and improve your focus. It can also help you prepare for assignments and avoid plagiarism. 

Benefits of note-taking

·         Improved retention: Note-taking helps you remember information by forcing you to write it down. 

·         Better focus: Note-taking helps you concentrate and minimize distractions. 

·         Improved comprehension: Note-taking helps you understand the material by requiring you to summarize and condense it. 

·         Improved organizational skills: Note-taking helps you organize large amounts of information and determine what's important to remember. 

·         Improved active listening: Note-taking helps you pay attention in class and understand what's being said. 

·         Improved creativity: Note-taking can help you be more creative and productive. 

·         Improved preparation for assignments: Note-taking can help you prepare for assignments, presentations, and meetings. 

Note-taking is a valuable life skill that can help you succeed in school, work, and other areas of your life. 

 TYPES OF NOTE TAKING

1. Outline Technique

A popular type of note taking technique is outlining. A lot of students start off with this method and just customize it as needed. Some people also call it the Two Column Technique.

In the outline technique, you start by writing the main topic of a particular lesson. You can then write subtopics under the main topic, which helps you arrange the information in a logical manner.

For example, your topic for today’s science lesson is the digestive system. If you follow the outline technique, you can write at least two main topics about the subject: first, the parts of the digestive system, and second, the functions of the digestive system.

2 Mind Mapping Method

Mind Mapping is a bit more complicated than the others. It’s a very flexible technique that you can use for learning, memorizing, understanding new concepts, and even coming up with new ideas. Studies show that students who use Mind Mapping techniques have higher exam scores compared to those who don’t use the method.

You use Mind Mapping for subjects where the topics have a strong relationship with each other. Unlike the Flow Chart, where the information only goes one way, Mind Maps can be all over the place. A good example would be tracking the body’s process as a whole. Food goes in the mouth, travels to the stomach, and moves to the intestines.

It can be the large intestine or the small intestine. If it goes to the large intestine, it proceeds to exit the body through the anus. But what if it goes to the small intestine? Then it is redirected back to the body and distributed as vitamins and minerals.

3. Flow Chart Making

The flow-based note-taking method focuses on capturing essential information while minimizing unnecessary details. Rather than documenting every aspect of a lecture, this method’s primary goal is to facilitate understanding and enhance learning.

Here’s why the flow method stands out as one of the most effective learning approaches:

• Enhances comprehension: By focusing on the core details of the learning modules, learners develop a solid mental framework, leading to deeper understanding and retention
• Cultivates active learning: The flow method encourages active participation as you construct your notes and add details while listening. This engagement enhances retention and understanding
• Boosts efficiency and adaptability: Focusing on essentials saves time and prevents information overload. Flow-based note-taking is also very customizable, making it an ideation technique that is adaptable to various subjects and learning styles
• Enhances study skills: This method promotes critical thinking and summarization, improving overall study skills and helping to organize and visualize information better. It also encourages active engagement with the material