Learning Task 2: Outlining
For this learning task, you and your group members will each created a different note-taking outline using Google Documents. These outlines will be used for the active note-taking activity in Learning Task 4.
Access your group's Google Document below. Click your group number's button.
Assignment Note: Only one Google Document has been created for the purpose of demonstration.
Review: Styles of Notes
In class, we discussed a number of effective ways to take notes from lectures, readings, or video-based content. Here is a quick review of the styles that we covered.
Outline Form
What it looks like:
A. Main idea
1. subtopic
a. support
This style of notes organizes information in order of importance. It helps distinguish main ideas from minor ideas. This style uses numbers, lettering, and indentation to organize information. This makes notes easy to read because the reader can quickly understand what ideas are most important.
Table
What it looks like:
Table style notes are useful when you want to make comparisons. The right column can be used to take notes during the lecture. The left column can be used after a lecture to summarize main ideas.
Flow Chart
What it looks like:
Source: Smith, S. (2016). Flowchart example. Retrieved from: https://www.eapfoundation.com/listening/notetaking/styles/
Flowcharts are useful when indicating a process or change. This style is good for history lectures, where one event is the cause of or leads to the next event.
Mind Map
What it looks like:
This style is a diagram that links ideas together. This style is best when a main topic or idea has several subtopics or minor ideas linked to it. This style can also be used with other styles (tables, flowcharts, etc.).
Tree Diagram:
What it looks like:
This style is useful when you want to divide information into groups. For example, if you have one main idea and two subtopics with supporting details you can write the information in a tree. Like mind maps, this style can be used with other styles to create pattern notes.
Linear Notes versus Pattern Notes
Linear notes are notes that are written in only one style, usually outline form. Pattern notes are notes that use a mixture of styles. Pattern notes can be more interesting and easier to read, though they are more difficult to take in a lecture.
References:
Kesselman-Turkel, J., & Peterson, F. (1982). Note-taking made easy. Madison, WI.: University of Wisconsin Press.
Smith, S. (2016). Styles of notes. Retrieved from https://www.eapfoundation.com/listening/notetaking/styles/
Dogs
- Loyal
- Need a lot of attention
- Come in many sizes
- Need space
Cats
- Aloof
- Do not need a lot of attention (unless you are trying to sleep)
- Good for apartments
