Note+Taking.

=NOTE TAKING =

= = = =

But first we must discuss reading
There are many myths about reading, and to be honest everyone has their own style that works best for them. However, there are a few tips that will help everyone become a better reader.

3R

 * Read, Recall, Review**

Now write down **the main points** (you've just read it twice) and start skimming again.
 * Read**
 * Scan** the document for headings, italics, dot points, diagrams, pictures, etc (you've just read it once)
 * Skim** read looking for keywords. When you hit a Keyword, slow down and read carefully.

Highlight the **Keywords** in every note you make Also highlight unknown words you need to look up
 * Recall**

Check you've got all the main Keywords Look-up unknown words (wow, reviewing counts as reading it 3 times!)
 * Review**

=Note Taking= Note taking is when you break down a paragraph to one sentence in your own words. It should represent only the main points in the paragraph that you'll need later at essay or exam time. And because it's your own words, it will be easier to re-build in to a new paragraph. Here is a simple system that can work for anyone:
 * Download this template and follow the DSK system: [[file:Notes template.doc]]**

DSK
Delete unnecessary words or sentences. Delete trivial content that you don't need. Be ruthless!
 * Delete**

Substitute general words for detailed ones. Substitute general words for lists, e.g. kings, queens, princes, lords, ladies = all nobility
 * Substitute**

Essential information. Names, dates, places. Main points that you'll need later at essay or exam time. //Tip: try to write each main point as a topic sentence, then you're half way to an essay plan!//
 * Keep**

//**Other tips:**// - __ scan __ the text first to get the gist of it, then start taking notes on the second read - use headings in your notes, so they're easier to __ skim __ through later - use dot points instead of full sentences and keep them short – one or two sentences is fine - collect __ quotes __ to use later - record the __ bibliographical details __ of all the sources you use in your notes - use sketches, diagrams, colour codes, or anything that make sense to you - what matters most is that you make notes that are meaningful and useful to you. For example, look at these: **Michelangelo's notebook 1 daVinci's notebook 1 daVinci's notebook 2**

Visit this website and then look at the page of notes I made: **[]**
 * Here is an example I did for you: [[file:Note taking example.doc]]**


 * No one's the same, keep trying different tricks until you have your own system that works best for you.**
 * Here are some alternative note taking schemes that you might try:**


 * Here are notes for this page as a handout:[[file:Note taking handout.doc]]**