Note Making and Note Taking

Differentiate with Note-making and Note-taking

The difference between note-making and note-taking is substantial and could mean the difference between a pass and a credit pass or indeed a pass and a fail.

Note-taking  involves:

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Writing down most of what you hear or read without actually processing the information

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Notes usually being copied from the original source and re-written in a similar format

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Notes being taken that are often unselective, trying to cover most or all of the information without highlighting the main points or issues.

Taking notes can be useful for study, but it is a passive approach to study and learning  – this starkly contrasts with the more active approach known as note-making.

Note-Making

Note-making is a more intellectual task than note-taking as it involves selecting, analysing and summarising what you hear or read. It also involves being able to strike a balance between listening / reading actively and making a record of it. Note-making is therefore an active approach to study as it:

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Forces you to think, because you have to make decisions about what to write

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Helps you to pay attention to what you are reading, or listening to

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Assists your understanding of new material if the notes are organised in your own way and in your own words

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Helps you to concentrate

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Helps you to remember more information

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Makes it easier to distinguish between important issues and detail

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Provides a permanent record.

Facilitates learning; lectures or books can become clearer later upon reflection and reviewing of your notes.