Study Skills Core Modules

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Note-taking is a very important part of academic studying and research.

There is no right or wrong way to take notes and this module has only introduced you to a few examples of note-taking methods. You may already have a good method that works for you (e.g. liner notes, bulletpoints, revision cards, etc.*), but there is no harm in exploring some alternatives as well.

The important thing is that your note-taking does not involve re-writing everything you hear or read - you need to learn to work out what's important to note, and what you can leave it out. This may take some practice, but you will get there in the end.

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Summary Tips:

• Write legibly - there's no point making notes you can never read again! Use a computer, laptop or tablet if you are worried about your handwriting speed or legibility.
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• Make notes visually appealing - leave spaces, use colour (e.g. different coloured inks) or illustrations, symbols, pictures, diagrams, etc. Find a visual format that appeals to you.
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• Use headings, sub-headings, bullet points or numbered lists - even if you have to add these in later.
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• Learn to use abbreviations, rather than writing in full sentences. Come up with shorthand codes for common words and phrases. See this list from Advanced Study Skills by Ostler & Ward as an example.
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• Use block capitals or underlining for key words - again, add them later if necessary.
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• Don't copy out chunks from books - put notes into your own words and make a note of book titles and page references you've used in case you need to return to them later.

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Note-Taking Module Review Quiz

Now that you have worked through the Note-Taking Module, you need to complete the Review Quiz. 

Your Personal Tutor may want to discuss the answers you give to this quiz in a future one-to-one discussion, and if you have any further questions or concerns about note-taking, you can always visit the Study Centre, room 235 at the top of the ILC.

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*Alternative note-taking technique videos: