This module had many helpful hints and tricks for finding the best ways to use notes to help your learning and being an active listener. The purpose of note taking is to think and sort through information in order to classify and organize it in a way that is actually meaningful to the student. An important “to-do” before you start to take notes is to shut down forms of distraction so you can focus on the content being learned. A useful tip discussed in this module is to pay attention to the volume level of the professor because they might highlight signal words and phrases when teaching. Also, they could raise their voice to emphasize the importance of the content. They might say phrases like ” We are studying this because…” indicating the importance of it. The difference between digital and paper notes was discussed. There are pros and cons to each but it is important to figure out which method works best of each individual class. A method of note taking that I’ve already practiced with is mind maps. When I am studying for a big exam, there is a lot of content that is covered and it can be overwhelming. This is an easy way for me to see the broad umbrella terms in the unit and make comparisons and distinctions between the topics. A useful idea that I can implement in the future to better my note taking skills is the Cornell method of note taking. This method splits a piece of paper into 3 distinct sections, the cue sections, note taking section, and summary section. The note taking sections should be filled in during class. The cue section and the summary section can be completed after class because they are wrapping up the content that was covered. The cue section is for questions that a student has acquired based on their notes. This method of note taking seems very helpful because students can create reviewable notes without having to go back and rewrite them. I think this method would be a good way of getting my questions answered without forgetting them after the lecture. This happens a lot and then I do not end up getting my questions answered. In order for students to learn the most when note taking, one must find the best strategy that works for them. Altering the note taking strategies for different classes might make one more successful.
https://www.lifehack.org/articles/featured/advice-for-students-taking-notes-that-work.html