Faculty members report that poorly organized notes are a primary factor in poor performance on examinations and in discussions. The first step to improve course performance is to develop an organizational system for your notes. This article focuses on how to take and use notes properly.

WHY ARE NOTES IMPORTANT?
Notes are important because learning is an active endeavor. The act of note taking causes us to focus and organize ideas, concepts, and new vocabulary into a form that develops and reinforces a deep level of understanding. The notes we take also provide us with a written record for review.  For courses that allow for open-note tests, well-organized notes are a great benefit. 

IDENTIFY THE AUTHOR'S GOALS
As you start to read the assigned textbooks, identify the goals of the author. Look at the headings in the textbook, and ask yourself, "What direction will the author be going?" When reading a lecture or commentary in your course, first look at the unit and lesson outcomes, and ask yourself, "What is the goal of the instructor in presenting this information to me?" By identifying the context, the content becomes more relevant.

A good way to identify the goals of the author is to convert the textbook headings into questions. For example a chapter heading of "Principals of Management" becomes "What are the Principals of Management?" From this question, look for the answers that the author provides in the textbook. These answers will be the key points that the author wants you to learn.

READ FIRST, TAKE NOTES SECOND
When you first read the textbook, do not take notes; instead, read to gain a general understanding. After the first reading, set the book aside and ask yourself to identify the main ideas and important sub-points. In your own words, paraphrase the information. By paraphrasing, you become actively involved with the material. 

Taking notes as you are reading the first time is not an efficient technique, because you are likely to write down more information than is necessary and be tempted to copy without developing an understanding.

After paraphrasing the content, go back and read for details. Now with an overview of the material in mind, you can jot down the key points. Do not copy directly from the textbook. Your notes should be a summary, in your own words, of the key points from the textbook. Do not write without thinking. The act of translating into your own words reinforces the ideas in your mind. As you create your notes, record any questions and issues that come to mind. Use the course discussion area to present these questions to the class and to the instructor. 

ORGANIZE YOUR NOTES
As you collect your notes, organize them into an outline form. Use clear and understandable headings based on the main points. Include in your notes what you see as the pros and cons of what was presented. Annotate your notes with your own thoughts on the subject. Explain concepts and relationships. How does the material fit into what you already know about the subject? Take any inconsistencies and turn them into questions.

Use your notes as a learning tool. Your notes are not just your summary of the textbook material, but a tool to use in study. As you progress through the units, go back and review what you have previously noted. Look for connections between the lessons. Understanding the broader picture will help you when examination time comes around. 

I will offer more learning tips in the next issue of the PLEXUS.