Notemaking from lectures
Writing down information from spoken material can be
daunting, particularly if the lecturer speaks quickly or if there is a
lot of complex material. Never try to write down a whole lecture. Only
record the most important information, leaving out less relevant details
and digressions.
- Record the source (date, subject, name of lecturer)
If you use an idea from a lecture in an assignment, it must
be referenced.
- Identify and record main points and key words
These are often identified in the introduction of the lecture.
Listen for signposts: firstly, secondly etc. The lecturer’s
voice may emphasise main points. Putting key words in CAPITAL
LETTERS will help you to make sense of your notes later.
- Jot down your own ideas about the information
Doing this as you write notes helps you to become an
active thinker. Put your own ideas in brackets, or as margin comments,
so that you can distinguish them from those of the speaker.
- Develop your own shorthand
Use numbers, headings, underlining, wavy lines, diagrams,
arrows and abbreviations.
- Write legibly
Your notes are useless if you cannot read them again.
- Rewrite and reorganise your notes
Condense your notes into a patterned form. This will help
you to absorb and remember the information.
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