COM 141 Note-Taking Suggestions PDF
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University of Botswana
Dr. A. Mhindu
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Summary
This document provides tips and strategies for taking effective notes during lectures. It covers pre-lecture preparation, active listening techniques, and post-lecture note review. This document also includes a task asking students to reflect on their struggles & strategies in taking lecture notes.
Full Transcript
COM 141 Dr. A. Mhindu Office 229/111 Challenges of listening in Academic Contexts Lecturers speak very fast -concerned with covering the course material on time Information overload -There is a lot of information to learn & process during a lecture Inability to remember what was taught. comp...
COM 141 Dr. A. Mhindu Office 229/111 Challenges of listening in Academic Contexts Lecturers speak very fast -concerned with covering the course material on time Information overload -There is a lot of information to learn & process during a lecture Inability to remember what was taught. complex information and use of unfamiliar words disorganised lecture presentation and digressions Unfamiliar accents Noisy lecture rooms which make it difficult to follow Lack of concentration and inability to make connections Challenges of listening in Academic Contexts Cont’d Lack of interest in the subject Personal dislike for the lecturer can also be a distraction Amount of time spent in the lecture room. We are expected to listen, understand, be selective and take meaningful notes. what strategies can we employ to help us become effective listeners and take meaningful notes? Importance of taking notes provides a record of the lecture content helps you to learn and remember the ideas and facts presented forms the basis for integrating all course materials and information reduces cramming and going over great masses of unlearned materials Your notes represent your understanding of the content Taking notes encourages active thinking during lecture and doing reference reading Mapping Note taking Suggestions Before Class ◦ Review previous notes and edit them ◦ Think about what may be presented in the next lecture ◦ CHECK THE COURSE OUTLINE for list of topics or key ideas in the upcoming lecture. ◦ convert this information into questions to be answered during the lecture. During Class listen, think, and write Have a system of taking notes Observe verbal, visual, or postural clues which indicate main points. E.g.voice inflections, material on board, repetitions, gestures Use of body gestures, facial expressions can be used to add emphasis or to add meaning or “punctuate” an important point. Slowing down pace of delivery can also act as a signal for an important point. Being an active listener means being aware of the various cues and using them to help you identify what is important and what is less important during a lecture. During Class Continued Ask questions or write them down for further clarification when you disagree or are unsure Sit in front of the classroom if you have difficulty concentrating. Maintain eye contact with the instructor when possible After the lecture Edityour notes; the sooner you do so, the less you will forget. Reorganize notes Number, label or underline to stress major and minor points. Take out repetitions or irrelevancies. Add or clarify where needed. Code the margins with key topics. Reduce notes. Task Answer the following questions, and discuss with your colleagues how they are coping. 1. What problems do you experience in taking notes during a lecture? 2. What are you doing to overcome the problems?
