What does "take reading notes" mean?

Question

In my psych class we're required to read a chapter, take reading notes, and then come to class and take more notes.

That's a heckuva lot of notes! I've been taking notes for the last 3 hours and my brain is busting..i feel like i'm writing down a glossary lol...In the syllabus it said take "reading notes"...looking for an explanation to see if I'm on the right track or not, please clarify - and yes i'm a freshman

Answer 1

Sounds to me like you are writing way too much!  

First, when taking notes on materials you are reading DO NOT take notes as you read.  Read a section first, then summarize, in your own words, what you have read.  Most text book chapter's are broken up into sections with bolded headings.  Read what is under each heading and then take notes on the material.  

Second, if there are bolded words that have definitions in the sections, definitely get those down.  

Third, make sure you read charts and other items on the sides.

Finally, if something has a step by step process write the steps down as numbered items.

Oh - determine the purpose of the reading.  Are you reading for the history of a person?  or the understanding of a theory?  If it is the history of the person focus on those things.  You'll get their theories in another section.  If it is understanding of a theory focus on that.  Does this make sense?  

Ultimately you do not want to recopy the text - your task is to get the key points and main ideas of each section.  Good luck!

Answer 2

You are.  The best way to remember something is to write it out.  These days with the usual ready access to class notes etc on-line you don't really need it to glean info - but to cement it in your mind.

Thanks

Bill