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.
The first thing that a student can do to make sure that they can complete their term papers in a timely manner and to work on them throughout the semester rather than the week before the paper is due is to take the time to organize and plan. Organizing a paper, at least at this step, is not so much about content as it is about rationing out the work and coming up with a general outline for the paper.
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.
The outline of the paper will become the roadmap that the student can use to guild them through their paper. By having an outline, a student will be able to break up their paper into workable sections with each section being a specific idea or piece of information that they can present.
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.
The first thing that a student can do to make sure that they can complete their term papers in a timely manner and to work on them throughout the semester rather than the week before the paper is due is to take the time to organize and plan. Organizing a paper, at least at this step, is not so much about content as it is about rationing out the work and coming up with a general outline for the paper.
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.
The outline of the paper will become the roadmap that the student can use to guild them through their paper. By having an outline, a student will be able to break up their paper into workable sections with each section being a specific idea or piece of information that they can present.
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 graduates knowledge and skills, and how that relates to their career success.