Notetaking

1
Note-taking

• Disability Services

2
Confidentiality

• Confidentiality is one of the most important
  aspects of the job
• Maintain privacy of the student
• Maintain confidentiality of information within DS
• It is likely you will not know the identity of
  the student you are taking notes for

3
General Responsibilities

• Be in class on time every day
• Scan notes daily after class
• Record class announcements, assignments, and
  special notices on the first page
• Find a substitute if you must be absent
• Contact DS if you have any problems

4
Note-taking Clues

• Voice change-voice becomes louder or softer
• Rate change-voice becomes slower or faster
• Points with finger for emphasis
• Hitting something for emphasis
• Writing on board or overhead
• Repeats information

5
Note-taking word clues

• Main Ideas
• The main point is
• Remember this
• Here is a major point
• The uses are

6
Note-taking word clues

• Supporting ideas
• Note this
• In addition
• Besides
• Furthermore
• Summary
• In conclusion
• Finally

7
Organizing notes

• Note announcements, references, assignments, and
  special notices on the first page
• Record principle and secondary points
• Use headings and subheadings
• Write enough detail so that notes have meaning
  without additional explanation
• Define new concepts or difficult concepts
• Define unfamiliar vocabulary

8
Be sure to

• Put date and page numbers at the top of every
  page
• Take notes in all class sessions, including those
  with a film or speaker
• Only write on one side of the paper
• Copy everything on the board
• Make supporting notations on handouts, overhead
  notes, and other sources of information
• Use black or blue ink

9
Abbreviations

• If you use abbreviations, be sure the meaning is
  clear
• Write out the meaning the first time you use them
• Be consistent when using abbreviations
• If used repeatedly, abbreviate titles or authors
  names

10
Abbreviations

• Use symbols such as and gt instead of words
• Use ? to denote questions
• Use arrows to indicate a change or process
• Circle or box information that belongs together
• Use stars, underlining, or !!! for important
  points

11
Common errors in format

• Illegible handwriting
• Too many details
• Inadequate margins
• Not enough white space
• White space the space in the margins, (top, side
  and bottom) and between lines

12
Common errors in organization

• Poor labeling
• Listing information without explanation
• No numbering or emphasis marks
• Sub-topics unrelated to heading
• Trying to take verbatim lecture notes-almost
  impossible

13
Common errors in phrasing

• Wordiness
• Meaning not conveyed
• Main ideas missed
• Cue words buried or lost
• Not in own words

14
It is your responsibility to

• Be responsive to constructive feedback
• Contact the DS office if you drop the class
• Find another student to take notes if you are
  absent
• Scan notes each day after class
• Contact the DS office if you have questions or
  concerns

15
Keep in mind

• Note-taking is crucial for academic success. The
  note taking service you provide can help a
  student with a disability succeed in class, and
  in their academic career.