FYF 101

Monday, August 31, 2009

How to take notes!


For discussion: Does this advice seem practical? Do you do this already? Be specific in your replies!

posted by Anthony at 7:19 AM

13 Comments:

  • This advice does seem practical, however, I do not do this already. Going back to write a second set of notes seems as if it would be a very good study method. It can help one recognize anything they did not understand and collect their thoughts about the subject. Also, it is easier to discover your reaction to a speech by writing it down after, instead of trying to think about it while, taking notes. Doing so will make a person a better listener and possibly even a better speaker.
    -Rachel Zomerfeld

    By Blogger rachelzomerfeld, at Mon Aug 31, 02:19:00 PM 2009  

  • I also found Adler's advice to be quite practical. Taking written notes is the best way for the individual listener to retain as much as possible from a speech, whether or not the speaker makes all of his or her points clear. I've always believed that writing something down after recieving it is like etching it into the brain. Once it's etched into your cognition, a solid response to the piece will come naturally. On that point, I don't believe I've ever actually taken further notes following a speech, and if I've ever had a hard time understanding an orator's terminology, I would ask him/her about it up front if possible. I don't think it's a bad idea to make a second set of notes following a speech however. It could serve to further etch it into one's head on a personal level, rather than allowing the individual to forget how he or she felt following the speech. This could thereby bring the speech closer to fulfilling "the ultimate goal of communication." A collective understanding. -Todd Oravic

    By Blogger Todd Oravic, at Mon Aug 31, 04:06:00 PM 2009  

  • Adler's advice is very practical. If you take notes for a class, it becomes much easier to understand the class. You are able to retain more information and organize the thoughts better when they are written down. The written notes allow one to look over them for future reference and form an opinion on the speech. Some of the techniques I do already, like writing the notes and then typing the notes up in a more organized manner to review them. Or I write enough notes to go with the lecture. However, I usually do not form opinions on what is said. Forming opinions will help to understand and apply the information better, so I will have to try to do this technique with my notes.
    - Amanda Readinger

    By Blogger Amanda Readinger, at Mon Aug 31, 06:34:00 PM 2009  

  • I found the advice to be practical, becoming more engaged while reading by taking notes. I however do not come back to make a second set of notes which would be more comprehensive and critical. I often find myself notemaking while listening to a speech to make references to key terms to detect the main principles. While reading and listening I find it important to write down words or phrases that I misunderstand. Then to get all unanswered questions answered during question and answer time. I find it informative to also listen to others to make sure that I have an understanding.
    -Kaitlin Barrett

    By Blogger kaitlin barrett, at Mon Aug 31, 06:36:00 PM 2009  

  • This advice is very practical. I have to take written notes when I am listening to a speech in order to better understand what I am hearing. This also helps me remember the information that I am comprehending. I feel that I do a variation of the note taking steps that Adler describes in the article. For instance, during a speech I take notes on the lecture and I use stars to mark what I do not understand or important ideas. I write words that I do not know the meaning of in the margins. After the speech, I return to my notes and make comments or add more information to certain areas in a different color of ink. I look up the words that I did not know and write down the definitions in another color. I think that this is related to the way Adler says to take notes and then revisit them later to make a second set. These techniques have helped throughout my courses.

    By Blogger Katelynn Simcox, at Mon Aug 31, 07:28:00 PM 2009  

  • I am really heartened that you guys seem to be better at note taking than students I have had in the past.

    It might be challenging to remark on what Adler says that you disagree with... since you all seem to concur with him, there isn't much I can say here.

    Using multiple colors of ink for note taking (and perhaps note revising) is a good idea - you can see by my slides I use color for emphasis.

    By Blogger Anthony, at Mon Aug 31, 08:30:00 PM 2009  

  • I find that note taking during a speech is very important and is the best way to learn about what the speaker is trying to teach, which is why I have found that Adler's advice is very practical. I do not rewrite my notes a second time but I will try this method now to see if it actually helps me get a better understanding of the subject matter. I also mark down in my notes what I believe is to be the most important details of the speech by underlining, or by putting an asterisk next to the notes. I also like to hear what other people have to say about the speech when they ask questions and get answers from the speaker. The techniques stated by Adler are very useful, which is why I am going to try and use most of them when taking my own notes in the future.
    -Ryan Keiser

    By Blogger ryankeiser, at Mon Aug 31, 09:14:00 PM 2009  

  • Overall, Adler presents a very comprehensive overview of the proper note-taking process. It is well explained with relevant examples, and it is certainly a source that would be useful to anyone. He has wonderful insights and he is correct in explaining that communication should continue into the notes based on reflection of the professor’s words. The advice is, for the most part, practical. However, there are a few tiny areas where I disagree.


    For example, Adler states, “But the best way to make sure that you are incessantly active while reading is by making notes, page by page, as you read—not in bed or in an armchair, but at a table or desk” (99). It is understandable that memory cues are more readily triggered during a test when you experience similar conditions while studying and doing homework. The right state of mind leads to an easier retrieval of previously encoded information. Unfortunately, for a college student who spends many hours studying and performing tedious homework problems, a desk is not entirely the most comfortable place to sit. Essentially, while Adler offers important advice that could potentially add a few additional points to a test grade based on the idea of a state-dependent memory, it is perhaps better to complete homework/studying than it is to struggle through an uncomfortable couple of hours attempting to complete the studying/assignments.


    Also, while I agree that taking a second set of notes allows for a thorough reflection of the speaker’s words, I personally find it useful to take a set of notes before and during class instead. By doing so, I know that I am prepared for what the professor will be saying and am also better prepared for the lecture. Furthermore, notes from the book tend to be very similar to notes given during a lecture, so occasionally less time is spent writing notes and more time is allotted for listening to the words of a professor. This can be very useful because, while you are still actively listening, you are able to give your hand the occasional break from writing!

    Bethany Eiche

    By Blogger Unknown, at Mon Aug 31, 11:02:00 PM 2009  

  • notes from the book tend to be very similar to notes given during a lecture

    this really depends on the professor and the class. In my "serious" classes, I tend to pick text books which present material in a different manner than I do in class, so that students get to see two different approaches to the material.

    By Blogger Anthony, at Tue Sep 01, 08:13:00 AM 2009  

  • The advice given by Adler is a very interesting and good way to study and learn new things faster and more efficiently. The idea that taking notes while reading an assignment is a great way to both learn the material and find a quick and easy way to review the pages without re-reading the text entirely. Also, when taking notes in class one should both listen to the professor and take the notes, because the professor is speaking about the subject and what he says is important. After taking notes one should go back to look over one's notes and high light key terms. Doing these things should help one learn the notes better and understand the material.
    -Courtney Leighton

    By Blogger CourtneyLeighton, at Tue Sep 01, 08:19:00 PM 2009  

  • I believe that Adler's advice is practical. I am definitely a person that writes while and after listening. For me, notes are very important because there is no way that i would be able to remember everything that occurred. My notes are used as something to refer back on for a test or to jog my memory. I also agree that if you choose to do so, making your own notes should be done after the fact. I myself have never made opinions on what the teacher/professor is saying. I just follow what is being said. When i review my notes, i too highlight what i feel are main points. This has been helpful for me.

    By Blogger christina emmer, at Tue Sep 01, 09:31:00 PM 2009  

  • This comment has been removed by the author.

    By Blogger Thomas Mike, at Wed Sep 02, 08:00:00 PM 2009  

  • A previous teacher of mine actually had my class do this on a regular basis. He called the second set of notes a "permanent notebook." While this helps a lot of people, I found it counter-productive to my own study habits. But I guess that each person is a little different. Also, if I am reading something, taking notes seriously slows down the rate at which I understand something. The best way for me to take notes on a reading is to read it once, comprehend it the first time, and then take notes on what I read. I admit, my study habits are unusual, but they worked in high school (kind of). I guess college will be the real test.
    -Thomas Mike

    By Blogger Thomas Mike, at Wed Sep 02, 08:02:00 PM 2009  



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