Lecture Note-taking Suggestions

note-taking is to do some basbaaaliíchiwé:   be able to re-tell, in your written notes, what you experienced in class

1. prepare, prior to class

- do the assign readings before class, reviewing key concepts and watch for them as they are presented during the seminar lecture.  Come to class prepared to discuss and ask questions about the appropriate topic.

e.g., Oral Traditions and Storytelling

How are they understood?   What are the elements of storytelling?   What does it mean to "swirl with Coyote"? 

- review the previous class notes to provide a context and frame of reference, as well as refresh and reiterate key issues and themes

- print out the Study Guide question (see below on previous page) appropriate to the section of class materials now being covered, and review those question periodically.

2. listen, observe, and be "attentive" during class

- mentally engage the materials being presented - stay engaged

- ask questions when something is unclear to you or when you see a possible connection or implication

- watch for clues: repetition, points written out on the board, interest level of the instructor, in-depth example presented to highlight a key point

3. in your note-taking, replicate what is presented during class

- as the seminar presentation, outline its structure, noting key points/themes/terms, and abbreviating in your own words illustrative examples provided during the presentation

- while identifying and recording the key points and terms in your notes, try to rephrase the meanings and significances of these points using your own words and terminology

4. review your notes, postscript

- review your notes within 24 hours - do they still make sense?

- identify key themes and terms not noted in the initial note taking process

 

return to 101 edicts

return to 101 Assignment B - Reflective Writes

return to 101 syllabus