Be selective and identify key parts.
Contents - Look for relevant chapter titles.
Introduction - Will outline key topics covered. This will help to confirm if the chapter is useful. In journal articles, read the abstract and the introduction.
Chapters - Read the beginnings of chapters and first sentences of paragraphs to get a miniature overview.
Index - Search for words, names, and phrases to find important pages.
Conclusion - Summary of key findings.
Visuals - Images, subheadings, headings give clues to content.
When reading, it can be helpful to use these headings as an aid.
Survey - Skim read to get an overview of the source. Index, Contents, Introductions.
Question - What do I need to answer? What key words and phrases will I search for? How reliable is the source?
3Rs:
Read - Find a relevant area to read, skim the passage, read again in more detail and take notes.
Recall - Recap what you have just read.
Review - Check your understanding and the accuracy of your notes, consider if you need to take more notes. Note down possible further research.
Organisation - keep notes organised. Folders.
Harvard Referencing - page numbers always take the reference. Always take your reference while you are researching.
Spacing - subheadings and spaced out notes. Short, concise sentences.
Colour coding - different colours for direct quotes, key words, important information. Limit your colour palette. Be consistent. Limit colour use to the most important information. Highlighters, coloured pens.
Thoughts - write initial responses. What does it show? Why is it relevant? How does it link?
Information taken line by line. Headings, spaces, questions, bullet points. This is usually how I take notes.
Split into sections, this is a mix of visual and linear notes.
Notes should be taken as usual in the note-taking column. Afterwards, the cue column (keywords, comments) will act as a prompt corresponding to the notes. The summary supplies an overview, note additional sources to research and useful parts/pages. This is also a good way to gauge your understanding.
Visual Notes - Mind Mapping.
To create a mind map, start with image/word in the centre. Main ideas are on main branches from the centre. Smaller branches hold associated ideas stemming from the main idea. Use images and symbols.
Visual Notes - Sketch Notes.
A visual map of ideas, concepts and connections. This is a combination of notes with visual cues to boost memory retention and actively engage with research.
Elements of Sketchnoting include text, emphasis text (bold, bubble, capitals), basic shapes, containers, connectors, icons and symbols, sketches and illustrations.
