NOTE TA

KING

MRS. HAW

S

BE AN ACTIVE LISTENER

Note taking is a very important writing tool. It is not just writing down everything you hear- it’s listening carefully and writing down the important ideas in your own words. That’s what being a good note taker is all about. You will use note taking all of your school years.

RECOGNIZE IMPORTANT INFORMATION

# Listen for change in the teacher’s voice either slower or louder.

#Teachers will give verbal cues like “The most significant, “ “The main Point,” “ The most important reason.” or “The three causes, “ etc.

#Anything your teacher writes on the board or is shown by the Elmo or overhead projector, should be considered very important. Double underline or put a star by this information.

TAKE NOTES TO HELP YOU PAY ATTENTION

You can think faster than anyone can talk this is one reason why your mind wanders. When you take notes your mind has something additional to do and you don’t have time to think of anything else. It helps you to keep focused. It also shows your teacher you are paying attention.

TAKE NOTES THAT ARE EASY TO READ

Put the name of the class, the date, and the page number at the top of each page of notes.

Write on every other line and use one side of the paper.

Use symbols and abbreviations whenever possible. Example texting abbreviations.

Use pencil or erasable pen to keep your notes neat. Leave a wide margin on the left side of each page.

As your taking notes, identify key words, and then write these key words in the margins. Example: topics, people, places, events, etc.

SAMPLE OF NOTES

Kathy Jones

Science

Pg. 1

Dinosaurs from 2 Greek wordsJan. 1. 2012

deinas= terrible&saurus=lizard

dominated life on land- 140,000,000 yrs.

2 orders *Saurischia & Ornithischia orders

over 800 species w/ posture

Saurischia incl. Tyrannosaurus

GO OVER NOTES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

While the information is still fresh on your mind, go over notes and clarify anything that’s confusing.

Make sure key words are in the margin.

Going over your notes helps to fix information in your memory.

If you have time and want to get a good grade in your class completely redo your notes. Eliminate unimportant information and use your own words. In doing this you will also learn information better.

GET COPIES OF NOTES IF YOU ARE ABSENT

When you are absent, it is your responsibility to find out what you have missed.

Ask your teacher for handouts and assignments. Do not assume that your teacher will tell you if there is something that you need to know or do.

Get copies of any notes you missed , and put them in your notebook as soon as possible.

TAKE GOOD NOTES

o Be an active listener.

o Take notes to help you pay attention.

o Recognize important information.

o Take notes that are easy to read.

o Go over your notes as soon as possible.

o Get copies of class notes if you’re absent.