PROFESSIONAL STUDENT - Note Taking....

Note taking is an important part of many academic subjects. This wikibook describes the different types of note taking that exists, and how they can be used. Just like any other wikibook, feel free to modify or add anything you might think would benefit.

Contents

• Note Taking/Front Cover
• Note Taking/Basic Formatting
• Note Taking/Specific Formatting Note Taking/Back Cover

Two-column Method

REAP Strategy

Outline Format

This format is useful when you are taking notes on one subject at a time, or when you are trying to organize something into different categories. You would start with an initial topic like this

• How to take notes

Then you would add the subject that had to do with taking notes

• How to take notes

• Methods for organizing notes

• How to keep notes concise

• How to make notes memorable/easy to recall

For each of these subjects you would add more subjects that stemmed from them

You may also want to come up with a way to organize your outline format.

An example would be

• 1.(number) Initial subject

• A.(letter)Subheading

• I.(roman numeral) sub subheading

For the first initial subject you would use the number 1, and for each additional subject you would add 1 to the number. In this way you would not get lost when looking at your notes.

Mind Mapping

Basics & Application

A mind map or mind map is a multicolored and image centered radial diagram that represents semantic or other connections between portions of learned material. For example, it can graphically illustrate the structure of government institutions in a state. Once a mind map is well-structured and well-established, it can be subject to review (e.g. with spaced repetition). The uniform graphic formulation of the semantic structure of knowledge may help reconsolidation of memories. This can make memories more stable and long lasting and may increase motivation] to work on a task.

Mind Mapping has become relatively popular in recent years, at least in popular science. Many around the world, including managers and students, have said that they find the techniques of mind mapping to be useful, being better able to retain information and ideas than by using traditional 'linear' note taking methods.

Mind maps can be drawn by hand, either as 'rough notes', for example, during a lecture or meeting, or can be more sophisticated in quality. There are also a number of software packages available for producing mind maps (see below).

Mind mapping guidelines

These are the foundation structures of a Mind Map, although these are open to free interpretation by the individual:

1. Start in the centre with an image of the topic, using at least 3 colors.
2. Use images, symbols, codes and dimensions throughout your Mind Map.
3. Select key words and print using upper or lower case letters.
4. Each word/image must be alone and sitting on its own line.
5. The lines must be connected, starting from the central image. The central lines are thicker, organic and flowing, becoming thinner as they radiate out from the centre.
6. Make the lines the same length as the word/image.
7. Use colors – your own code – throughout the Mind Map.
8. Develop your own personal style of Mind Mapping.
9. Use emphasis and show associations in your Mind Map.
10. Keep the Mind Map clear by using Radiant hierarchy, numerical order or outlines to embrace your branches.

Stenography / Shorthand

Stenography (shorthand) is a method where note-taking and writing is rapidly sped up. This is due to the usage abbreviations/symbols for letters, words, or whole phrases. Several stenography systems exist. Learning one is a serious effort, but which can rapidly pay off if one has to take notes often. Stenography was, for example, for a long time, part of secretary and reporter training.

Recording

In some situations it is practical to record a presentations, instead of manually taking notes. Recording can either be done on audio/video, or audio only. In any case, permission to record a subject should be obtained first.

A video camera would be the tool of choice for a/v recording. Usage of a tripod is highly recommended.

Light tape recorders and dictaphones were the classic recording devices for personal audio recordings. This has changed with the ubiquitous availiability of MP3 devices, many of which are able to record audio, too. Hard-disk based MP3 players/recorders are particularly convenient, due to the almost unlimited storage capabilities. Many cellphones now offer this capability.

A good microphone is essential for a good recording. Build-in microphones in consumer-grade devices are often not sufficient. Batteries, or in general the power supply, should be secured during recording.