This document provides strategies for effective note-taking from books using the BDA approach: - Before reading: Prepare by getting materials ready and having a positive mindset. - During reading: Take notes using techniques like highlighting, summarizing in your own words, outlining, and the Cornell note-taking method. - After reading: Review notes immediately and periodically to ensure understanding and be able to answer questions about what was read. The SQ3R technique of surveying, questioning, reading, reciting, and reviewing content is also recommended.

1. TAKE NOTE!
Effective Note-taking from a Book

2. STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS:
BDA APPROACH
 Before Reading
 During Reading
 After Reading

3. TAKE AN ACTIVE APPROACH –
BEFORE YOU READ
 Positive attitude.
 Find a place to study.
 Identify distractions and eliminate them to improve
concentration and comprehension.
 Determine purpose for reading
(author, instructor, student).
 Expect to reread to understand.
 Dedicate time to study – hours outside of class.
 Get prepared:
 Textbook
 Paper
 Pen/pencil/highlighter
 Dictionary

4. DURING READING NOTE-TAKING TECHNIQUES
 Highlighting & Marking – read first to avoid over-
highlighting & use system of markings with symbols
 Summarizing – use your own words to retell key
points in brief statements
 Mapping – visual diagram using shapes and lines
 Outlining – Roman numerals, letters, and numbers
system using your own short phrases and/or words.
 Note-taking – Cornell Method

5. LET’S GIVE IT A TRY!
Water makes up approximately 60-70% of your body,
and it is important for everything from temperature regulation,
digestion, absorption, and blood formation to waste elimination.
Water is especially important for physically active people. A
person engaged in heavy exercise in a hot, humid environment
can lose 1 to 3 liters of water per hour through sweating. Losing
as little as 5% of body water causes fatigue, weakness, and the
inability to concentrate; losing more than 15% can be fatal. You
should consume 8-10 cups of water per day through foods and
beverages. People who experience excess sweating, diarrhea,
or vomiting or who donate blood may have higher water
requirements.
Powers, Scott K. and Stephen L Dodd. “Water.” Reading for Life. Ed. Corinne Fennessy.
New York: Longman, 2011. 70.

6. AFTER READING – NOT DONE YET!
 Ask yourself if you know what you’ve read.
 Are you able to answer end of chapter questions?
 Review your notes and materials – immediately and
periodically.

7. BDA TECHNIQUE – SQ3R
 Survey: Preview the
chapter, subheadings, graphics, etc.
 Question: What do you want to know about the
topic? Write questions using subheadings.
 Read: Focus on your written questions and finding
main ideas.
 Recite: Stop and answer your questions aloud or
by writing in your own words.
 Review: Immediately and periodically.

8. Good luck
and have a
wonderful semester!