Learning Styles & Note-Taking Skills

What

Learning style is the ‘way’ we
take in information and develop
our knowledge or skills

Types

Visual Learners

prefer to learn by sight.

prefer to see information such as pictures.

easily distracted without visual aids.

benefit from using charts, maps and notes.

Auditory Learners

prefer to learn by hearing

prefer to hear information; can absorb

a lecture with a little efforts.

read aloud to themselves.

Kinaesthetic Learners

prefer to learn through movement

prefer touch for taking information

role playing help to remember and learn.

How learning style may influence your learning
goals

• Understand how you learn best

• Identify styles that develops your skills

• Identify style that makes your learning ineffective

• Consequently, become an effective learner

• Greater academic success

• Apply right style in right context

• Better time-management

What

Writing down ideas from lectures and readings in your
own words

What materials do you need

Loose-leaf paper (Notebook)

Binder for organizing

Folders with pockets to keep things organized

Pens, Pencils

Why

Helps you engage/pay attention.

Notes serve as a “file” of information for later use – study for EXAM!

Taking notes helps you become an “active listener” and a “critical thinker”. (different to passive listening)

strategy

BEFORE
CLASS

Prepare yourself mentally

• Review your notes and other background

material

• Review syllabus (content)

• Review previous notes

• Look up key words

• Review any reading assignment

• Think through what has happened in the class to date

DURING
CLASS

• Be an active listener

• Get the main ideas

• Write key points only

• Paraphrase

• Ask questions

• Integrate with other knowledge you already have

• Use symbols to indicate importance of items

• Leave blank space for later additions

AFTER
CLASS

• Review your notes and fill any gaps

• Discuss/Compare with others

• Ask for any clarification

• Hearing a thing once is not enough. Memory requires review and understanding

• Find answers to any questions remaining unanswered

• Write a brief summary

• Not easy – habit takes time

Review

Methods

Outline Method

Cornell Method

Matrix Method