Note taking has been a part of the educational experience for all of us the first teacher ever decided to lecture. Many programs, apps, and methods exist to help us learn to take better notes and when it comes down to it, preference and style is really a personal thing. So what can we learn about note taking that will help boost our ability? If you want to take better notes, you need to make a conscious decision regarding the medium you will use. Switching back and forth between the two can be confusing and time consuming, not to mention disorganized.
What is interesting is that most citation errors have nothing to do with the citation, but the grammar contained within the body of the work. Let's review some common mistakes and help you learn what to be on the lookout for.
As I mentioned above, many of the mistakes in a research paper have nothing to do with the citations in the bibliography however, there are a few things you want to be aware of. First, an annotated bibliography does not count as a works cited page or a bibliography for your actual research paper. They are a completely separate work. Every research paper requires a works cited page regardless of whether or not you are also doing an annotated bibliography.
Finally, whether you're using a laptop or pen and paper, you want to make sure that you are keeping your notes well organized. Keep all of your files stored digitally by class and make sure each entry is dated to make finding the information easier. If you hand write your notes, have a binder for each class and again, store your notes in order by date.
Outlining itself is another way for a student to help themselves to stay on task with their term papers throughout the semester. After the general organization of the paper is complete, a student can focus on the specific outline for the paper.
First, we'll discuss commas and apostrophes. Commas are the bane of Grammar Nazis everywhere. Most people use them too little or too much and quite frequently in the wrong places altogether. The only way to fix this is to study a reliable resource or ask someone who knows and then truly internalize the rules for comma usage. Now to apostrophes; never use an apostrophe to indicate a plural. Ever. Apostrophes are used to denote a contraction, or the combination of two words where some letters are removed like 'they're' for 'they are', and to denote possession as in, 'that is Mary's book.' Additionally, remember that possessive pronouns never take the apostrophe. (his, hers, theirs, yours, ours, and its)
Regardless of your note taking style here are some things you want to make sure you don't miss. Obviously if your instructor says, 'this will be on the test,' write it down. If the professor repeats himself and more importantly if he slows his repetition down so that it can be taken word for word, you want to capture that information. On the flip side, if he speaks faster, louder, or with added emphasis, pay attention. When they write on the board or use a power point, snag that too, and if possible, get a copy of the power point. And lastly, take note of any material where a relationship between ideas is expressed by using words like 'however,' 'most importantly,' or 'first, second, third.'
As you work to learn these rules and others, you will find yourself able to implement them without thinking about it rather than having to pour over some handbook to make sure you are following the rules. Persistence pays off and the professors at your college in National City will be pleased with your progress.
What is interesting is that most citation errors have nothing to do with the citation, but the grammar contained within the body of the work. Let's review some common mistakes and help you learn what to be on the lookout for.
As I mentioned above, many of the mistakes in a research paper have nothing to do with the citations in the bibliography however, there are a few things you want to be aware of. First, an annotated bibliography does not count as a works cited page or a bibliography for your actual research paper. They are a completely separate work. Every research paper requires a works cited page regardless of whether or not you are also doing an annotated bibliography.
Finally, whether you're using a laptop or pen and paper, you want to make sure that you are keeping your notes well organized. Keep all of your files stored digitally by class and make sure each entry is dated to make finding the information easier. If you hand write your notes, have a binder for each class and again, store your notes in order by date.
Outlining itself is another way for a student to help themselves to stay on task with their term papers throughout the semester. After the general organization of the paper is complete, a student can focus on the specific outline for the paper.
First, we'll discuss commas and apostrophes. Commas are the bane of Grammar Nazis everywhere. Most people use them too little or too much and quite frequently in the wrong places altogether. The only way to fix this is to study a reliable resource or ask someone who knows and then truly internalize the rules for comma usage. Now to apostrophes; never use an apostrophe to indicate a plural. Ever. Apostrophes are used to denote a contraction, or the combination of two words where some letters are removed like 'they're' for 'they are', and to denote possession as in, 'that is Mary's book.' Additionally, remember that possessive pronouns never take the apostrophe. (his, hers, theirs, yours, ours, and its)
Regardless of your note taking style here are some things you want to make sure you don't miss. Obviously if your instructor says, 'this will be on the test,' write it down. If the professor repeats himself and more importantly if he slows his repetition down so that it can be taken word for word, you want to capture that information. On the flip side, if he speaks faster, louder, or with added emphasis, pay attention. When they write on the board or use a power point, snag that too, and if possible, get a copy of the power point. And lastly, take note of any material where a relationship between ideas is expressed by using words like 'however,' 'most importantly,' or 'first, second, third.'
As you work to learn these rules and others, you will find yourself able to implement them without thinking about it rather than having to pour over some handbook to make sure you are following the rules. Persistence pays off and the professors at your college in National City will be pleased with your progress.
About the Author:
California College San Diego (CCSD)has trained graduates for rewarding careers in high demand jobs since 1978 in San Diego County, California. We understand the importance of giving our students real-world knowledge and skills, and how that relates to their career success.
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