Good Study Habits for Adults Returning to School
Note-Taking and Referencing Tools for Those in Continuing Ed Classes
Sep 21, 2009
When going back to studying, are the right attitude, the right tools, the right resources in place? This article concentrates on the tools needed for extracting information from class lectures and readings, and for recording the sources of that information for later use in writing papers and essays. The goals of the exercise are to know where the knowledge was obtained and how to evaluate this knowledge.
Taking Class Notes: Good Note-Taking Skills
A loose-leaf ring-binder notebook is essential for each course. Different from a spiral notebook, it can accept reading lists, lecture announcements and so forth at will. Class notes can be taken on pre-punched paper and added bit by bit so all notebooks don’t have to be carried to class.
When taking notes in class, not everything the teacher says needs to be written down; trying to do so will only distract from what's being said. Developing an individual shorthand to notate the important points helps: abbreviations for common long words (bec = because, appt = appointment) facilitate faster writing – but confusions can arise (const = constitution, construction?).
In allocated desk-time, class notes need revision with a highlighter or colored pen to focus on the important points, to add critical thoughts in square brackets or in a different pen colour, and to identify areas that are unclear and need to be studied further or asked about.
Taking Reading Notes: Good Reading-Note Skills
The same loose-leaf binder can be used to retain reading notes on the subject. Books and articles marked up with a highlighter or pen can be reviewed to extract the important points into reading notes. The very act of writing something down (whether hand-written or keyboarded) helps understand the material better.
The full bibliographic reference of the reading matter should always be recorded immediately; it is time-consuming and frustrating to reconstruct citations at the last minute. Also recording the page number in the left margin of punched paper for each reading note taken (photo), helps clarification revisiting the source for clarification. If “mind maps” are used instead of linear notes, a system should be devised whereby the notes can be traced back to the page of reading.
The potential for plagiarism is a big problem: copying more than five words in a row constitutes plagiarizing the author, as does using their ideas without giving them credit. If a passage is copied out, it should be put in double quotes so that it is clear these are the author's words. When using the quote in writing a paper, the source (bibliography reference) and the page number on which the words of the quote and/or the idea originally appeared must be given.
As with class notes, reading notes can be annotated using square brackets to document the student's personal interpretations, questions, or comments. The words of the author and the student should be conceptually separated; this is the first step in developing an independent "voice" separate from the author's and for developing a measure of critical thinking.
Use a Reference Management Software
Bibliographic references used to be kept on file cards – great for rearranging items and selectively carrying them to the library. These days, reference management software such as Endnote (seemingly the most popular in the United States) replace file cards but with both advantages and disadvantages.
The greatest advantage in using reference software is that once typed in, the reference and all its attendant details never again have to be typed. A bibliographic style can be chosen in which to print the reference list out differently for each occasion needed (a science reference is often printed without the article title, or a style sheet might specify omitting the page numbers for a chapter in a book). The software will format the references: no more proof-reading for correct word order and punctuation, but proof-reading can still catch missing information!
The software also has fields in which to record the shelf or call number of the item, so that the location where it was obtained can be retrieved. A field for notes on that item is also available, if it is comfortable to entrust all reading knowledge to an electronic device.
Modern reference management softwares also have facilities to link to online resources, so that references can be downloaded from library listings and bibliographic databases without having to retype. This is especially useful when researching for term papers and essays. Then the only choice is which of the many items accumulated and read should be included in the list of references for a particular paper or essay.
The particular disadvantage of reference management software is that it is awkward to take a list of specific references to the library to look up. Each item has to be chosen, made up into a special temporary bibliographic list of items, and printed out (or brought on a laptop). But perhaps it is only those who grew up with file cards who find this an obstacle.
Note-taking and Referencing Skills
In sum, a loose-leaf notebook is best for coordinating class notes, reading notes, reading lists, and anything else the teacher may hand out. Selectivity in writing things down is a necessity — simultaneously condensing, emphasizing and evaluating the material in a devised shorthand. Keeping track of where information comes from is done by noting full bibliographic references, location obtained, page numbers of notes and quotes taken. If possible reference management software can save much time and effort in finding, saving, organizing and reproducing the references. Happy studying!
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