Deck 3: Note Taking

Question 1

What are the dangers of using a highlighter rather than writing notes in your own words?

Answer 1

When it comes to understanding the material, highlighting is much less effective than paraphrasing. You're much more likely to engage with the material when paraphrasing. Also, it's easy to highlight too much, and if you're highlighting a hard copy and change your mind you can't easily 'unhighlight' the material.

Question 2

Why is writing notes an important skill?

Answer 2

Notes serve several purposes. They help you:
-focus on and understand the material
-organise the material and identify key ideas
-remember key ideas
-cope better with stress.
These effects interact. For example, organising the material helps you understand it and makes it easier to remember, while understanding it and being able to recall it reduces stress.

Question 3

Why is it important to record bibliographical information? Check out whether your library runs classes on using EndNote. It may take some time to learn the system, but it will save you time in the future, so it is worth the effort. Some colleges have EndNote available to students at a discount price.

Answer 3

Accurate referencing is crucial because:
-it lets readers check the validity of your claims
-it helps readers explore the subject in greater depth
-it reduces the likelihood of being accused of plagiarism
-if students don't wish to purchase EndNote (which is expensive if discounts aren't available), suggest they consider free alternatives like Qiqqa (Windows and Android only) or the Firefox extension Zotero (see '

Question 4

What problems may you encounter relating to taking notes from PowerPoint slides?

Question 5

What is meant by the term 'verbal clues'? Next time you're in a lecture, listen for your lecturer's key verbal clues.

Question 6

Do you think you would find the linear, Princeton or mind map approach to recording information most helpful? Experiment a little to find a system that works for you.