Page 299 - Learning to Learn

LEARNING TO LEARN: BECOMING A SELF -GROWER 299
EXPERIENCE 10: READING FOR LEARNING READING
Two common methods of inset outlining are the dot-dash method of outlining, and a method using
Roman and Arabic numbers along with upper and lower case letters.
Table 2
Example of the Dot-dash
Outlining Method
Roman Numeral, Letter, and
Number Outline Style
• Processes and Methodologies
• Knowledge Maps
—Process
—Concept
—Tool
—Context
• Process Education
—Classification of Learning Skills
• Cognitive Domain
• Affective Domain
• Social Domain
—Cooperative Learning
I. Main Heading
A. First sub-heading
1. First main point
a. supporting detail
b. supporting detail
2. Second main point
a. supporting detail
b. supporting detail
c. supporting detail
B. Second sub-heading
II. Second Main Heading
A. First sub-heading
The example in the first column of Table 2 illustrates the dot-dash method of outlining. The outline
is for a chapter in a text about an educational philosophy called Process Education. Note that you can
start the outline with either dots or dashes. Many public speakers who present from notes tend to use
the dot-dash method along with a larger than normal typeface making it easier to read the information
and keep their place when glancing down.
The pattern for using Roman and Arabic numerals and upper and lower case letters is presented in the
second column of Table 2. Main headings use Roman numerals. The capital letter “A” identifies the
first sub-heading, “B” the second sub-heading and so on. The Arabic number “1” identifies the first
main point under a sub-heading, “2” the second main point and so on. The small letter “a” identifies
the first supporting detail of a main point.
A final word about outlining: be sure to include enough information in your outline to make it
meaningful. One-word notes are much less valuable than meaningful phrases when it comes to
studying and reviewing material.
Read and Question
Think of questions you would like answered as you read and take notes. It is also a good idea to jot
down questions when you skim a reading. By asking questions, it helps you focus your note-taking on
material that you find worthwhile and reliable. Questions you raise during your reading can be used
to ensure that your notes are accurate. Note that the words what, who, where, when, why and how can
help trigger questions you might want to ask in connection with a reading.
Compare your notes taken from a reading with those of someone in your class. You may be surprised at
the differing opinions (reflected in what is written) about what was important. You can often improve