Stage 3 - Action
Start the job!
Once you have located your resources, look up:
- The index of the books
- Tthe contents page for the keywords or subject headings
Once you have found the appropriate pages:
- Skim read the first and last paragraphs of the chapter to see if the information is what you want (remembering the introduction and conclusion are summaries).
Be aware of the authority or validity of the source of your resources. Ask yourself if the author projects a certain bias. There is nothing wrong with that as long as you realise there is a bias there. As a result you might search for a alternative or contrasting point of view.
Web Pages especially need to be evaluated because anyone can set up a web page.
Also check the date to see if the information is current.
Start taking notes
How do I take notes effectively? You might find it useful to use this note taking guide.
- Once you have your mind map with the main ideas or headings outlined, you can start finding information on the general topic.
- Look for information that provides answers to your headings and subheadings.
- Under these headings and using your own words make notes in brief point form, eg, keywords and phrases, facts, dates, names, formulae.
- Do not copy the information word for word. Summarise whole chapters into your own words. Remember you must always cite from where you got an idea, data or information.
- Don't forget to note down from what source you have got your notes. (On the notetaking template, there is room to put bibliographic details).
Hint: Colour coding the same topics from different resources can help you organise your notes more effectively.