Note Taking Shortcuts

1. Note Taking Shortcuts

2. Reference • Standley, K.E. (1987). How to study. Palo Alto, CA: Dale Seymour Publications.

3. Use standard abbreviations • E:\Symbols in note taking.doc

4. Shorten words by removing vowels from the middle of words • Purpose • December • Cucumber • Remember • Problem • Envelope • Prps • Dcmbr • Ccmbr • Rmbr • Prblm • nvlp

5. Substitute word beginnings for entire words • Association • Information • Document • Mathematics • Communication • Assoc • Info • Doc • Math • comm

6. Make up your own symbols and use them consistently

7. Use key phrases instead of sentences. • I see you before me. • Icyb4m

8. Use a / for th • Thought • Thing • Something • Anything • Everything

9. Use a small “o” at the end of a word for “ing” • Nothing • Something • Anything • Everything • Learning • Talking • Eating

10. Write these in words b 4 b4 n n2 u Run r ur n4m 4ward c ne ez

11. 4 Steps in Note Taking • Get Ready to Take Notes: • Prepare paperCornell Notes • Have pens/pencils ready. • Remove clutter from desk.

12. 2. Take Notes: • Record your notes in simple sentences or point form. • Do not try to set up your notes as an outline as you will not have time. • Let your writing flow. • Leave lines between different point and ideas. • Write fast. • Use speed writing and abbreviations. • Write legibly. • Note: Don’t try to write down everything.

13. 3. Clarify Notes • As soon as possible after class, go through your notes. • Rewrite anything that’s unclear or elaborate. • On the left side in the key word column, write important words and phrases or draw simple pictures. • Do not attempt to do this during a lecture as you will miss important details. • if the teacher stops for an extended period, use this time to do your key words. • Once you have entered your key words, write a summary of your notes at the bottom of your page.

14. Tips For Selecting Key Words • Key words should be as short as possible – a single word or a 3 to 4 word phrase at most • If you have difficulty remembering a term, make that your key word. • Use dates. • When you select a key word, form a visual of the key. • Always select your own key words – don’t borrow from others as you will have difficulty remember them • If a key word does not jog a memory of your notes, change it. • Use simple drawings instead of words.

15. Example: If you are talking about whales – you might write – whales surface 2 brea/e. Spout /ru • For the word whale, you might draw

17. 4. Study your Notes • Review your notes periodically – once a week. • Cover the right side of your page. • Use only the key words to review the facts and information.

18. Practice Note Taking • Prepare several sheets of paper in the Cornell format or use handouts. • Your instructor will “lecture” briefly. Take notes during these lectures. • Do not do your key words until you finish your notes. • When your notes are finished, read them, clarify if necessary and write your key words. • Finally, in the bottom space, summarize what your notes are about. Remember to use speed writing, abbreviations and diagrams to simplify your notes