Using Information
Read the resources
Scanning, Skimming, and Reading Carefully.
First Scan
- Look for keywords related to the question in contents, indexes, chapter headings, pictures and diagrams.
- Use an index to find specific pieces of information.
Then Skim
- DO NOT READ EVERY WORD.
- Look for the main idea from titles/diagrams/charts/sub-headings/words in bold that are linked to the question.
- Look at the first and last sentence of each paragraph.
Then Read Carefully
- Read the most relevant sections
- Read for understanding.
- Make sure you read all the details.
- Make sure you remember the details.
If your mind starts to wander…go back to your questions and keywords.
Record the information
- In your jotter
- In a visual way, making a timeline, a web or a diagram
- By making lists, columns, or outlines
- By highlighting text
- By using a template : Keyword note-taking - QUADS - Research grid
- By using an online notepad like Google notebook
Take notes by
Paraphrasing
- Write some the information in your own words
- Be clear and concise
- One fact per line
Summarising
Put a paragraph into your own words covering just the main points
Quoting
Copy exactly. Put quotation marks round the sentence. Make a note of the source.
You are looking for:-
NUTS
= Something NEW to you
Something USEFUL to your purpose
Something you can TELL to SOMEONE else ( in your own words!)§
You should use no more than ten words per item or entry.
Write down the key facts or ideas, names, numbers, and major events or things that happen.
Be honest
Copying and pasting from a website directly into your notes is wrong.
This is called plagiarism and if you are caught doing it, the SQA can disqualify from all your exams!
If you are not sure how to avoid plagiarism, try Plagiarism vs. documentation. or Defining plagiarism.
Adding images and sound effects
Most images and sound effects on the Internet are copyright. If you wish to add images to your work, make sure they are copyright free by either using educational sources or creative commons licences
Collections of images that you are free to use: - Freefoto Freeimages Morguefile Imageafter
This is a fantastic list of sources of copyright free images.
SCRAN - has 333,000 images, movies and sounds from museums, galleries, archives and the media available for educational use
To search widely for copyright free images try using SearchCreativeCommons or FlickrCC
ALCS have produced a copyright awareness pack.
Try Soungle - Royalty free sound effects
Make a bibliography
A bibliography is a list of sources.
It is very important to note of the details of the sources that you use.
You might want to go back to the source for more information or to check something
Your teacher will want to know where you got your information from and might want to check your facts.
| Books | Websites |
|---|---|
| Author | Author |
| Title | Title |
| Publisher | Publisher |
| Place | URL http:// |
| Date of publication | Date of site |
If you need help with your bibliography, try the Citation machine.
Once you have finished taking notes and assembling all your information you are ready to start producing your project.
Do the Using Information Quiz, then move on to Self evaluation.
§With thanks to Lynn Barrett and Mal Danks for the NUTS idea.
P L U S