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ISB Main Library: Note-Taking

The Main Library at International School Bangkok

Why take Notes?

Writing down information in a systematic way will mean that your outline, citation page, and the initial draft will be easier to write. Using a note taking method will assist in keeping your information more organized and will expedite and simplify the writing process.  Before you begin your research decide how you will collect and organize your information.  Decide how you will:

1) Note Taking Strategy

  • Record information
  • Record source citation information
  • Organize your notes

2) Note Taking Methos

  • Print (note cards or note book)
  • Digital (NoodleTools, Google Doc)
  • A mixture of both

Things to consider

Decide a note-taking method that works for you. Remember: 

  • Skim and scan to identify if the source (newspaper, magazine or journal article etc.) is going to be helpful to you.
  • Once it has been identified then close reading and understanding is required to identify sections within the source you can use to support your argument/assignment.
  • You will then need to paraphrase. This helps you understand the material. Do not paraphrase more than 3 or 4 sentences at a time. Make sure you are paraphrasing one idea at a time in your own words.
  • Make sure you can identify and cite every idea you paraphrase.
  • When deciding on a note-taking method. It is a good idea to also include the citation and direct quote from the original source so that so that you can go back and review if needed.

The Research Question


 

Access the Research DataCatcher - this will create a copy of this document in your Google Drive. You can rename it and off you go. The first entry is an example for you, that shows how you can use this document. You should be able to collect ALL of your research notes, citations, images, and anything else that will support your work on this single document that can then be used to create your project/paper.  For more information contact Mr. Bell - christob@isb.ac.th

 

The Note Card Method

The Note Card system can be useful when it comes to collecting and organizing information for a research project.  In this system you use physical note cards to create:

a) Subject or topic cards, which can be organized by topic for specific paragraphs when the researcher is preparing to write their paper.

b) Source cards which can be organized into the correct order to put together a bibliography or works cited page.

NoodleTools - Notetaking

NoodleTools is an excellent way to collect and organize your information and take notes.  The note cards are divided into 3 sections: Direct Quotation, Paraphrase / Summarize, My Ideas.   For more details visit NoodleTools and/or watch the video clip below.

Mind Maps

Media

There are many different ways to take notes. It is important to find a method that works for you as it will help ensure that your writing is clearer and more concise.  Take a look at the top 5 ways to take notes in the video clip below. 

Cornell method

The Cornell Method is a way of taking notes while reading or listening to a lecture. They can also be used a study guide.