Both students and the public have become increasingly disinterested and demotivated towards reading. As the latest research comes in, this now seems to be a universal trend. For example, numerous students report that reading is one of their least favourable commitments. Indeed, they typically explore a range of creative tactics based around technological options to bypass the challenge altogether. However, even the most reluctant students have to accept that some academic reading is simply unavoidable.
Therefore, it is important that educators attempt to make the experience as meaningful and immediately positive as possible while reducing unnecessary time wasting. A key initial intervention in this context is to teach how to make simple, accurate, meaningful, and memorable notes. Of course, it also needs to constantly be stressed that attempting to read any form of academic material without making notes is a total and complete waste of time.
The importance of note-making in preparation for writing summaries
One of the essential skills in the process of writing effective summaries is the selection and accuracy of note-making in relation to key information in a text that connects directly to the research subject and thesis statement.
The colour coding and seven-word approach
The most effective and efficient method of note-making is the colour coding and seven-word approach. Academic texts are organised in numerous ways that require the student to think and read critically about the types of information required. A simple example is shown below.
Pink The subject, purpose, problems, and audience
Yellow The main line of argument
Blue The main counterargument
Green The main supporting arguments and evidence
Orange The main findings and conclusion
First design a colour code key and place it somewhere on the first page of the texts. Then, very selectively highlight the areas in the text that include key information to complete your assigned task in the appropriate colour.
After highlighting one area of the text, immediately add a brief note in the margin of no more than seven words that clearly and memorably records the information. These notes need to be in the own words of the reader that are in effect a paraphrase to ensure the meaning is fully understood. Then, such notes can reduce the chance of later temptations towards plagiarism.
Moreover, note-making not only help students to learn how to select only the most important information, but also enables a future return to the text that will make immediate sense of the information without having to read the passage again.
Question 1
To what extent is it highly beneficial to systematically colour code notes?
Question 2
Why do students who fail to make notes frequently resort to last-minute plagiarism?
Question 3
What is the critical importance of learning how to summarise academic material?
We shall explore Question 3 in the next blog.
Comments