Introduction

This Unit provides a comprehensive review of the process of taking notes in the field, including the organisation of field notes, the important note-taking tools and techniques for capturing as much relevant and high quality information as possible. Topics range from the essential supplies that a prepared note taker should carry at all times, to tips for capturing the most important points when there may be many activities or conversations occurring simultaneously. The Unit also includes a discussion of when it is and is not appropriate to take notes, including requirements for making community members aware that notes are being taken.

Unit objectives / expected outcomes

After the completion of the Unit the trainee will be able to:

• explain why note taking is important;
• use the right note-taking tools;
• take notes appropriately and consciously;
• use the best note-taking techniques.

Content outline, main topics covered and suggested sequencing

This Unit focuses on the topics listed below:

1. Fundamentals of note taking (PPT No. 1: Documentation: Fundamentals of Note Taking) (1 hr)
2. Brainstorming for interview guide and checklist preparation (Exercises No. 2, 3 and 4) (2 hrs)
3. Practise writing in shorthand (Exercise No. 1) (30 min)

Components of the Unit

Exercises

• Exercise No. 1: Shorthand Secret Code; to practise writing and reading in shorthand (45 min)
• Exercise No. 2: Mind Mapping; to create a mind map (30 min)
• Exercise No. 3: Brainstorming for Interview Guide and Checklist Preparation; to develop quickly an unconstrained, non-evaluated list of issues, topics and questions using the collective insights of a group for later discussion, grouping and sorting and to help in team building (30 min)
• Exercise No. 4: Delphi Technique; to generate ideas, issues and questions and to group, sort, rank and set priorities (30 min)

Handouts for Trainee (to be distributed in printed format):

• Fundamentals of Note Taking (Handout4T)
• Article: Democracy Walls
• Unit Glossary

Presentations

• PPT No. 1: Documentation: Fundamentals of Note Taking; This PPT reviews basic note taking tools, discusses note taking etiquette, and outlines some techniques that note takers can employ (30 min)

Duration

½ day

Equipment needed

Computer and beamer, notepad and pen or pencil for each participant, coloured pencils or markers, flip charts, small sheets of paper, cards, small pieces of coloured paper/cards and means to stick them to the wall or board (e.g. masking tape, pins, gum), Shorthand Guide (included in M14U03 Handout for Trainee).

Additional downloads

• Download this page in MS Word format (additional information included)
• Download the complete unit