Page 82 - Foundations of Learning, 4th Edition (Revised)

Note-taking and Reading Comprehension

Now that you have practiced basic reading strategies, we
can move on to an even deeper connection with a text:
note-taking, comprehension, and using the knowledge
you have gained. The process of note-taking directly
parallels the process of reading, so this section of the
chapter will build on what you have already learned about
the Reading Methodology. Every reading assignment is
a small step, or a small choice on the path to the future
you want to create.

Put the date, main topic(s), the source and page number at the top of your notes.

By putting this information at the top of your notes, it will help keep your notes better organized and
make it easier when you review and study the material in the future. When you have many pages of
notes, it is helpful to number and date the pages. If you are taking notes from materials other than your
textbook, you should clearly identify the source. In the case of other books, identify the title of a book,
author, publisher, place, and date of publication. In the case of a journal or magazine article, identify
the title, author, and name and date (including number) of the journal.

Organize your notes according to the topic rather than the source.

When you reread your notes, all the material about a topic should be in one place. This is especially
useful when your notes come from several different sources such as lectures, textbooks, magazine and
journal articles, and Internet sites.

Note-taking from Written Text

Since so much of note-taking involves reading, you’ll notice that the Reading Methodology can be
applied to the process of note-taking.

Skim

Before starting to take notes, skim the pages to get an overview of what is being presented by the
author. By looking for the subheadings, you can obtain a mental outline of the reading. Notice items
printed in bold or italic, for they may give you cues to important information you should know.
Using these cues helps you focus on the most important information and avoid copying too much
material from a text.

Outline Basic Structure and Complete the Outline

Many people find using an inset system for outlining major and minor points works best for them.
With this method, the main heading, often in uppercase capital letters, is placed at the margin. The
next subheading(s) is (are) indented or inset away from the left margin. The less important the
subheading, the further away it is from the left margin. The next main heading is placed back at the
margin and the system follows the same pattern for the next subheading(s) and so on.

76 Foundations of Learning