Professional Communication 2- 16 Listening and Note Taking

2.2 Note Taking

Note-taking is the process of quickly jotting down the main points of information. It is the practice of
recording information from different sources and platforms.
It isa way to capture important pieces of. information in' a systematic way.
Note-taking aids learning by allowingindividuals to process and retain large amounts of information,
and influenices learning by helping us to attend to information and personalize the information we
learn.

Note-taking isan essential learning skill for college students to implement during and outside of class
time.
There are three stages of note making: before, during and after.
Effective note-taking is an essential skill for students to master. It helps to organize thoughts, retain
information, and recall important details.
How to take effective notes during lectures and seminars?
Prepare beforehand : Review the course material before the lecture or seminar. This will help to
understand the concepts better and follow the lecture more easily.
Listen actively : Listen carefully to the instructor and try to identify the main points. Take notes on the
key ideas and concepts, and use abbreviations and symbols tosave time.
Use a note-taking system : Use a note-taking system that works for you. Some popular systems
include the Cornell Method, traditional outlining, mapping, and the "CUES+" Method.
Be selective : Don't try to write down everything the instructor says. Focus on the main ideas and
concepts, and use your own words to summarize them.
Review your notes :Review your notes after the lecture or seminar. This will help you to reinforce the
concepts and identify any gaps in your understanding.
Ask questions : If you have any questions or doubts, don't hesitate to ask the instructor or your peers.
This will help youto claify any confusion and deepen your understanding of the material.
Practice regularly :Practice taking notes regularly. This will help you todevelop your note-taking skills
and improve your ability to retain information.
Note-taking is asignificant practice in any research process. For instance, if you are a student, you
might be taking down discussion notes or lecture notes, which might serve you as a study aid later.
In summary, note-taking is afaster process that involves quickly jotting down the main points of
information. It is a significant practice in any research process.
2.2.1 Types of Note Taking
There are several note-taking methods that youcan use to record information.
1. Outline Method : This method uses indentation to store information in a clear
hierarchy. It is one of
the most efficient note-taking formats as it creates meticulously
also be used in both deductive and inductive order.
well-organized notes. The method can

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Listening and N
Outine Template
Title. Profe
I. Introduction I1.
A

u. Body
A THE OUTLINE METHOD

2
3 Notes
8 " Main point " Main point
" Sub point " Sub point
2
3 Sub point " Sub point
" Sub point

2
3
"Main point
4 " Sub point
EI. Conctusion
" Sub point
" Sub point

The outline method is a

popular note-taking method that uses
clear hierarchy. Here are the steps to follow when using the indentation to store information ina
Gather ñote-taking materials : Collect all outline method:
device. the necessary materials such as a pen, paper, or a digit
Outline the main topics : Write down
concise manner. the main topics of the lecture or discussion in aclear du
Outline the subtopics :Indent and note
clear hierarchy of information. the subtopics under each main topic. This
helps to create o
Insert supporting thoughts and
helps to provide more context and facts : Add supporting thoughts and facts
Add further details and
detail to the information under each subtopic.
details and examples. Thís examples
helps to
: Elaborate on the
supporting thoughts and facts by adding further
Review and recite your notes : provide deeper
a
Recite your notes to help you
understanding
Review your notes to of the
information.
remember the information. ensure that they are Complete and aCcurate.
Here is an example of how to
use the
Exercise": outline method to take
notes on the topiC of "The Benefits of
Introduction
A. Definition of exercise
B. Importance of exercise

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II. Physical Benefits of Exercise

A. Weight loss
1. Explanation of how exercise helps with weight loss.
2.
Examples of exercises that help with weight loss.
B. Improved cardiovascular health
1. Explanation of how exercise helps with cardiovascular health.
2. Examples of exercises that help with cardiovascular health.
II. Mental Benefits of Exercise
A Reduced stress and anxiety
1. Explanation of how exercise helps with stress and anxiety.
2. Exanmples of exercises that help with stress and anxiety.
B. Improved mood
1. Explanation of how exercise helps with mood.
2. Examples of exercises that help with mood.

IV. Conclusion

A. Recap of the benefits of exercise.

B Encouragement to exercise regularly.
information in aclear and
This example shows how the outline method can be used to organize
are listed in capital
Concise manner. The main topics are listed in Roman numerals, while the subtopics
letters.
examples are
Supporting thoughts and facts are listed under each subtopic, and further details and
help remember
provided to elaborate on the information. Finally, the notes are reviewed and recited to
the information.
notes during
1. The CUES+ Method : Is anote-taking system that can help you to take effective
lectures and seminars. Here's how it works:

2. Cluster : Group related ideas together in clusters of 3-6 main points.

point to
3. Use teacher cues : Listen for cues from the instructor, such as "This is an important
remember," and write down the corresponding information.
4 Enter : Use key vocabulary words and phrases to capture the essence of the lecture.
5. Summaríze : After the lecture, summarize the main points and ideas inyour own words.
The CUES+ Method is similar to the outline method, but it uses aparticular codingand process to
chunk your information. It can help you to identify and record the most important ideas, concepts, and
facts from the lecture in relation to the overall course.
This will facilitate learning by forcing you to organize and contextualize the material, while also
enabling efficient reviewby generating a repository of ideas and information that is likly most relevant
for exams and future recall.
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 Professional Communication
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1istenin9 and Noter
Cornell Notetaking Method
Pr

Notes Column
Cue Column

2.5 Inches 6 Inches

"Main ldeas Main leclure notes here

"Questions that "Use concise sentences

connect points
Use shorthand symbols
"Diagrams
" Use abbreviations
" Study prompts " Use lists
When? "Put space between points
After class When?
During review During class

Summary Column
"For top level, main ideas When? 2
"Use as a quick reference area After class
During review
2.
Corneii Method: This method involves
Summary. The note-taker writes down the dividing the page into three main
main points in the notes sections: notes, cues, a
a summary of the notes in section, cues in the cue
the summary section. This
method is useful for reviewing and column,
ar
notes.
summariz1
Table 2.2.1: Cornell
Two-Column Notes
Keywords: Notes:
Types of Matter
Solids I. Solids
A. Have a definite shape
B Have a definite volume
Liquids Liquids
A. Do not have a definite shape
B Have a definite
volume
Gasses Gases
A Donot have a
B Do not have a
detinite shape
definite
volume
Summary: (Insert summary of lecture after class.)

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3. Mind Mapping : This method involves creating a

VIsual representation of the information by
connecting ideas and concepts with lines and arrows.
It isuseful for brainstorming and organizing ideas. WHAT ?
WHERE
Mind mapping is a technique through which you
develop and visually organize thoughts, ideas, and MIND MAPS
information This technique involves identifying WHO ?
WHY ?
central topic (often represented as an image) and
creating branches indicating the relevant categories
that are related to the central topic extending radially HOW ? WHEN ?
from the central idea. Mind maps are useful for
brainstorming, learning, planning, and more.
Fig. 2.2.1
Here are some examples of how mind maps can be used:
Brainstorming : Mind maps are a great way to brainstorm and generate ideas via associations. Start
with a central bubble, and then create additional bubbles as ideas flow into your mind. By the time
you're finished, youwill either have an idea you're excited about or lots of new ideas to share and
Consider.

DOLOR

First Idea
Fourth Idea

MY MIND
MAP

Third 1dea
Second ldea

IPSUMIT LOREM
cOOCeode non teas
tueaceusar. Sed
orot jeget sonlesque

Fig. 2.2.2

Writing an essay:You can use a brainstorming mind map tO come up with ideas for an essay you
need to write, and then you can take it a step further and üse a mind map to figure out what you should
with ideas
write about in your essay. Just start with your main topic in the center and then branch out
for topics you will cover in your essay.

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Thesis staternent
d Nota
Books
Jntroduction
References
Websites
Brief overview
Joumals

Closing Paragraph Topic'sentence

Essay Paragraph 1
Brief summary Conclusion Plan
Evidence
Assertive statement
of the presented argument

Topic sentence
Topic sentence

Paragraph 3 Paragraph 2

Evidence Evidence
Fig. 2.2.3
Learning: Mind maps can be used to learn or teach new information faster. Start witha central .
and then create branches indicating the relevant categories that are
related to the central topic
helps to organize information in acear and concise
Journals
manner.
Do texts in English
Duolingo Translate textsO Reading
Magazines Listening Series
Listen Musics
Series with subttles

Learn English
With Friends
With Teacher Conversations
With Famity O Speaking Do texts in English
Series Writing
Translate texts
Fig. 2.2.4
Planning: Mind maps can be used to plan a
convey complex information more meeting,
clearly, and much more.create outline for
an an essay or blog p

1mplementation
Risks
Purpose

Time scales Scope

Project
Financial

Fig. 2.2.5 People

Creativity : Mind maps can be used to
representation of the unleash
information connecting creativity. They can be used to
by
useful for brainstorming and
organizing ideas. ideas and
create a visua
concepts with lines and arrows. This

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Inspiration
Vision
Krowiedge

Motvatien elea

CREATIVITY

Innovation

Imaginaton Brainetorm
Mind

Fig. 2.2.6
clear and
These are some of the most effective ways to use mind maps to organize information in a
concise manner. Choose the one that works best for you and your learning style.
Benefits of Mind-Mapping
It can improve learning and information recall by helping you to connect different concepts and see the
bigger picture.
It can improve productivity by helping you to plan, prioritize, and manage your tasks more efficíently.
It can improve creativity by stimulating your imagination and generating new ideas.
traditional linear
It can provide a more efficient method of note-taking and brainstorming than
methods, as it allows you to capture and organize information in a more natural and intuítive way.
and simpler
It can make complex ideas easier to understand by breaking them down into smaller
components.
effectively
It can improve presenting skills by helping you tostructure and deliver your message more
and persuasively.
and allows you
It can be afun way of learning, as it engages both the left and right sides of your brain
to express yourself more freely and creatively.
It can be flexible, as it can be adapted to suit different purposes, styles, and preferences.
The Mapping Methods :
rowS to organize
1. Charting Method : This method involves creating a table with columns and
information. It isuseful for comparing and contrasting information.
Disadvantages When to use it?
How? Advantages
If you'll be tested on
Set up your paper in Helps pull out most Can be a hard system to
columns and label relevant information. use during a lecture. facts and relationships.
appropriate headings.
of Not a lot of room to If content is heavy and
Headings could be Reduces amount

categories covered inwriting. write. presented quickly.

the lecture.
Insert information Provides easy review for Need to know the If you want to get on
be overview of the whole
(words, phrases, main memorízing facts and content that will
lecture on one sheet of
ideas etc.) into studying comparisons covered beforehand.
appropriate category. and relationships. paper.
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conceptac a
idea or
ProfessionalCommunication
: This
Sentence Method information
method involves writing
format.
down each
sentea Professic
5. Bo
2. in a linear
useful for recording THESENTENCE METHOD bu

#1
"Main point point
#1 for main
" Sentence
point
#2 for main
" Sentence
for main point
" Sentence #3

"Main point #2
point
" Sentence #1 for main
"Sentence #2 for main point

" Main point #3

"Sentence #1 for main poit
" Sentence #2 for main point 6.

3. Boxing Method: This method involves drawing boxes around each idea or concept. It is useful to 2.2.
visually organizing information.
Maln 1dea
Topic 1 Topic 3 Topic 4
"Summary "Summary "Summary
"Summary "Summary
"Summary " Summary Toplc 5
Topic 2 "Summary " Summary
"Summary "Summary "Summary
"Summary "Summary "Summary
" Summary "Summary
Summary " Summary

The Boxing Method of

Note-Taking
4. Mapping Method : Thís method involves creating a
understanding relationships between ideas and concepts 2. map of the information, It is useful 1o

Mapping Method
ShakespeAre
3Types ol Plays

Comecy Hisiory
-As You Like It Richard I Tragedy
-Hamlet

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This method involves writing down each idea or

concept as .
Iistening and Noe
Sentence Method :
Usehulfor recording intormation in a linear format.
THE SENTENCE METHOD
<,erl t Profe
5.

"Main point #1
" Sentence #1 for main point
" Sentence #2 for main point
" Sentence #3 for main point

"Main point #2
"Sentence #1 for main point
" Sentence #2 for main point

" Main point #3

" Sentence #1 for main poit
"Sentence #2 for main point
6.
3. Boxing Method : This method
visually organizing information. involves drawing boxes around each idea or concept. It is useful to 2.
Maln dea
Topic 1 Topic 3 Topic 4
"Summary " Summary
"Summary
"Summary
Summary
Summary "Summary Topic 5
Topic 2 Summary "Summary
Summary " Summary
"Summary "Summary
"Summary "Summary
"Summary "Summary
"Summary "Summary
The Boxing Method of
4. Note-Taking
Mapping Method : This method involves
creating a map
understanding relationships between ideas and concepts of the
2. information., It is useful to
Mapping Method
Shakespeare
3Typea ot Playa

Comedy History
-As You Like It
-Richard III Tragedy
" Hamlet

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 Listening and Note Taking
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Box and Bullet Method : This method involves creating a box around each idea or concept and using
bullets to record information. It is useful for visualy organizing information 2.
My Notes

Tittle:
Author:

Central Idea 1:

Central ldea 2:

6.
Flow Method : This method involves creating a flowchart to represent the information. It is useful for
understanding processes and procedures.
2.2.2 Flowcharts

Flowcharts are diagrams that graphically represent a step-by-step progression through a procedure or
system, and they're extremely useful for demonstrating how things progress and explaining a subject
or giving directions.

Flowcharting Symbols

Start of end point of Process Step

the process

More than one

Document
document

Branch, depending Data

on outcome

Wait

Connect to another
page or flowchart

Here are some examples of how flowcharts can be used:

Process Flow Diagrams : Aprocess flow diagram illustrates the general flow of a process and the
relationships between the major components. It is useful for breaking down information and making it
easy to understand and follow.
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Process Mapping
Pro
START

Collect
Shitt Data
Investigate
Rejects
CompiBe
Shift Record
Identity
Corrective
Actions
Daily 09.00
Review
Meeting

NO
Approve?
Actions
Required? NO
YES

YES
Correct
END
Process
Notify
Process
Team
END

Fig. 2.2.8: Process Flow Diagrams

Data FlowDiagrams : A data flow diagram visualizes how
data is processed in an information syste
from input to output. It is useful for
potential bottlenecks or inefficiencies.
understanding how data flows through a system and identifyin
Registration, Student
confirmation

Test Invalid
request request

1.2 Confirm 11 Check

-Late test request -Valid request
registrat1on request 1.3Register
students
Student id

Test id

Students Tests Tests

Registrations
Fig. 2.2.9:Data Flow Diagrams

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