Note taking

skills

Why must I take

notes?

Helps

you understand the topic easily

-Breaking down the topics into sub-topics
-Encourages you to note down details

Helps you remember what the teacher tells you

-Sometimes what the teacher says in class in impo
to your exam *hint*

It makes life easier when you revise for the exam

-Instead of reading the textbook again and again

What must I do?

Recognise the main idea

Identify the relevant information

Have a system of note taking that works fo

Reduce information into diagrams
Putting information into your own words

Note taking
techniques
1. Use symbols and abbreviations
2. Use mind maps
3. Use graphic organisers

Use symbols and

abbreviations
Symbols for note-taking are as follows:
=

equals/is equal to/is the same as

is not equal to/is not the same as

therefore, thus, so, because

and, more, plus

>

more than, greater than

<

less than

gives, causes, leads to, results in

Use symbols and

abbreviations
Some common abbreviations
No. Number
E.g. Example
Dif- Different
Gov- Government
Nec- Necessary
Gd- Good
Brit- Britain
Ger- Germany
Wht- What
Chpt- Chapter
Pple- People

As you take notes,

you can also come
up with your
own abbreviations

Use mind maps

By using mind maps, you can:
quickly identify and
understand the structure of a subject
the way that pieces of information fit
together,
as well as recording the raw facts

Use mind maps

How to draw a mind map:
1.Write the title of the subject in the centre of
the paper

Use mind maps

How to draw a mind map:
2.Draw lines out from the centre for subtopics related to the
subject

Use mind maps

How to draw a mind map:
3.Extend another line for details that is
important to the
sub-topic

Use mind maps

How to draw a mind map:
4.Use different colours and pictures.
5.Try to
ensure the
words fit
the lines

Use mind maps

Video

Lets try: create a mind map of

yourself

Use graphic organisers

Graphic organisers help in making thinking
more
visible (more obvious). It helps in
organising
information so that you understand it easily.

There are many kinds of graphic

organisers.

Use graphic organisers

Here are more examples:

Use graphic organisers

Here are more examples:

Use graphic organisers

Here are more examples:

Use graphic organisers

Here are more examples:

Use graphic organisers

Here are more examples:

Use graphic organisers

Here are more examples:

Lets try: create a graphic

organiser
comparing your life in primary
and secondary school
PRIMARY
SCHOOL

Schooling
hours
Pocket
money

SECONDARY
SCHOOL