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Taking Notes
Note taking is
an efficient way to learn new information, and the
first step to studying for tests.
Taking notes is taking responsibility for your learning.
"Note taking is a method of mastering information -
not just
recording facts."
AVID Press 2004
Requires
practice ~ especially at first.
Creates
a "graphic organizer" and helps you visualize key information.
Abbreviations that may help you when taking notes
can be found here.
There
are several methods you can use to take notes. The preferred
way to record notes is the
"Cornell Note Taking Method". This method is used
in upper elemenatry, middle school, high
school, and even college!
Another
effective way to take notes is "concept mapping", also called
mind mapping,
clustering,
or word webs.
As
with all your papers, notes should be organized and kept in your
binder for quick access.
Be
aware that sometimes "notes" are collected, and included as part of
your overall grade.
Have
you ever heard of an "open-note test"? This is when your
teacher allows you to use your
notes to answer the questions on a
quiz or test ~ a HUGE advantage, and a good reason to take
good notes!
As
you get better at note taking, you will develop your own "style" for
abbreviating words and
information to help you study later.
Over
the years you will have many teachers that teach in a variety of
ways. It will be important for
you to perfect your note taking
methods and skills so you can be the most successful you can be.
More
not taking tips can be found
here.
Test Preparation
Cornell style
notes makes preparing for a test easy.
With practice, you will be studying more
efficiently.
"Test taking has become an ever increasing part of student
assessment as well as school accountability... It is critical that
the student is knowledgeable about how to prepare for a test and how
to take a test."
AVID Press 2004
Ask
the teacher what type of test you will be taking. The most
common types of test are:
true/false, matching, fill in the blank,
multiple choice, short answer, or essay.
You
may need to recall information from memory, or you may be able to
use clues in the question
to answer correctly.
You
will need to organize your notes to match the type of test you will
be taking. For example:
|
Type of
Test |
Preparing |
|
True/False, Matching, Fill in the Blank ~ Looking for
specific information |
- Focus on facts, dates,
vocabulary
- Highlight key words
- "Code" * your notes
|
Multiple
Choice ~
Looking for specific information, often with the answer
imbedded in the question |
- Focus on facts, dates,
vocabulary
- Highlight key words
- "Code" * your notes
- Rewrite important notes ~
things the teacher has emphasized
- Think about "tricky"
questions
- Create practice questions and
possible choices for answers
◊Choices for answers
usually have one that is
correct; one that is way
off; one that is general;
and one or two that
are tricky. If you just don't
know the answer,
you can eliminate the one that
is way off, and the
one that is too general ... Then
you have a 50/50 chance of getting the answer
right!
|
Short
Answer, Essay ~
Looking for detailed, in-depth information in a written
answer format |
- Focus on main ideas; key
concepts; cause and effect; the "why"s
- Highlight main ideas / key
concepts
- Rewrite notes in paragraphs
to practice
- "Code" * your notes
|
* "Coding" your notes ~ Put a
+ next to something you know well; a
? if you need to review it; and
a - if you don't know
it ... yet. You can also "color code" you notes to help
you.
To
help you remember information, you can make sets of flashcards using
Flashcard Maker or
write a
"mini quiz" ~ questions you think might be on a test coming up.
Remember to include
things your teacher has mentioned might be on a test. Use "review
sheets" to practice for tests.
More tips and tools to help you prepare for tests can be found
by clicking
here.
How To Study
Tips ~ free study skills, strategies, and tips. |
Note Taking and Test Preparation
