Note Taking
The Purpose of Note-taking Support
'To be the student's writing hand'
Why?
Medical Reasons
-
Visually/Hearing Impaired
- Physically disabled
Specific Learning Differences
-
Dyslexia - slow processing speed
slow handwriting speed
poor spelling
word-finding issues
- Dyspraxia - joint issues/hypermobility
slow handwriting speed - Dysgraphia - illegible handwriting
- AD(H)D - concentration issues
'To be able to adapt your note-taking to suit the student'
How?
This is achieved by discussing appropriate note-taking styles and possible variation on/combinations of these with the student, so that you are ‘working to order’ in the most effective way for them. This is extremely important as many SpLD learners think and work in a unique way that can be significantly different to others, and need their notes to reflect this.
In addition, many disabled students are in receipt of 1-2-1 study skills support whereby strategies for enabling them to improve in relevant aspects of their work are tried and tested. Effective note-taking is not only an important practice to master at university, but is a learning process/transferable skill in its own right which helps a person to process and understand received information. Although some students will always need others to take notes for them, many students with note-takers will still be ‘working behind the scenes’ to improve their performance in this area and our student support note-takers are providing a crucial service both to the students and the study skills tutors, whilst individuals are developing their own note-taking skills.
Note taking styles
Abbreviations
'To provide revision material for the student which is easy to reference'
Why?
Relevant, easily accessible and effective notes are crucial for every aspect of revision, whether the revision of the notes forms part of the process of assignment writing or preparation for examinations or tests.
Knowledge is overlearned and reinforced via the revision process, and students need to be able to confidently ‘find their way’ through their notes easily, as if they had written them.
Don't forget to refer to your Student Support Workers' Guide for note taking guidelines and other information relating to your role.
Please return to the Support Workers' page