Canny Minds Blog

Canny Tips #2: Efficient Note-Taking

Posted on 29. Jul, 2009 by Jenny in Canny Tips

A series of eight tips produced by The University of Warwick, are offered as quick reference guides to the simple application of general best practice techniques. Whilst originally developed for students, they could be used by anyone.

Why?

It’s quick and efficient when revising or carrying out research for essays.

How?

1. Ask yourself a specific question, then look for the answer.
2. Scan read titles, prefaces and chapter headings. Then take notes, recording only key information.

Challenge yourself…

1. …to scan read a book in 10 minutes. Then mind map what you remember.
2. Ask yourself what the book’s cover and table of contents tells you about it’s scope and subject matter.
3. Focus on any summaries, key points, graphs and quotations: What jumps out? What looks interesting? What information does the index and glossary give you?
4. Always take notes at the end of a section, not as you go along.

Tips!

1. To take notes efficiently, use lists and number key points or structure concepts and keywords in a bubble diagram.
2. Use colours, patterns and shapes to link concepts and ideas.
3. When taking notes for essays, save time and avoid plagiarism by recording references and sources of quotations as you go along.

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Visit the University of Warwick website

Photos courtesy of dentedup and Aleksi Aaltonen

Tags: Canny Tips, note-taking