Reading & Writing: Reading & Notetaking

More than ever before, students have a vast amount of digital literature available to them. This site gives lots of hints and tips on reading materials online and how to make the most of different formats and devices

Based on the work of expert Stella Cottrell, international bestselling author of The Study Skills Handbook, this interactive resource will help you hone and develop your study skills at your own pace. Each module has been carefully designed so you can assess your current proficiency, track your progress, become more confident and get the most out of your course.

• Reading effectively Learn to select relevant material, including Using Reading Lists and get the greatest benefit from your reading.
• Making notes while reading - how to make useful notes that work for you, and learn valuable shortcuts.
• Making notes during lectures - how to listen actively to your lectures whilst making effective notes.

Click on 'Continue with your Institution account'.

This Reading and Note-making workshop is suitable for all students, and will support you with improving your reading ability and the way you make notes, including: 

• Tips to improve your approaches reading, active reading strategies and review your reading speed;
• Selective reading and using your unit reading lists;
• The benefits of making notes and reviewing how you make them;
• Note-making methods.

[20 minutes 54 seconds]

Taking notes is an important part of an active study strategy. This guide from the Open University looks at note taking techniques so you can decide which are best for you. There is a useful section on taking notes in lectures and seminars.

The Cornell notetaking method can be used in a number of different learning environments - when taking notes in lectures, from printed books and journals and from online resources. Learn more about this useful study tool.