L3DC – Study and Presentation Skills

Topic 4:
Gathering Information – Lectures and Tutorials

© NCC Education Limited

 Gathering Information –Lectures and Tutorials Topic 4 - 4.2

Scope and Coverage

This topic will cover:

• Getting the most from lectures
• Engagement and active listening in lectures
• Making and using lecture notes
• Using tutorials, seminars and group discussions
 Gathering Information –Lectures and Tutorials Topic 4 - 4.3

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this topic students will be able to:
• understand the role of scheduled learning
opportunities;
• use lectures for learning and information-gathering;
• be engaged and apply active listening to get the
most from lectures;
• be able to take relevant and clear notes in a variety
of styles;
• understand the role of tutorials, seminars and
group discussions.
 Gathering Information –Lectures and Tutorials Topic 4 - 4.4

The Unit Roadmap

1. Getting Ready for Study
2. Learning and Skills Audit
3. Gathering Information – Sources and Reading
4. Gathering Information – Lectures and Tutorials
5. Using Critical Reasoning
6. Planning for an assignment
7. Academic Writing
8. Writing a Research Report
9. Data Collection
10. Developing a Presentation
11. Examinations and Revision
12. Module Summary and Assignment
 Gathering Information –Lectures and Tutorials Topic 4 - 4.5

Recap

1. Explain the 3 types

of note-taking stye.
2. List the 5 steps
approach or SQ3R.
3. Two techniques used
for fast-reading.
 Gathering Information –Lectures and Tutorials Topic 4 - 4.6

The Role of Lectures

Lectures are designed to:
• Be the starting point for study and research;

• Give an overview of the subject - its main ideas

and theories;

• Highlight evidence from recent research.

Together, these will guide your own learning, reading

and reflection.
 Gathering Information –Lectures and Tutorials Topic 4 - 4.7

What is a Lecture?
The ‘normal’ pattern is that a lecture:
• Lasts for 50 - 60 minutes;
• Is given by a subject specialist;
• Provides different perspectives on learning – factual
information, ideas, analysis, argument, contrasting
views, methods or examples;
• Guides you in your study of a topic;
• Provides introductory material;
• Followed up in private study, tutorials, practicals,
fieldwork and so on.
 Gathering Information –Lectures and Tutorials Topic 4 - 4.8

Lectures - Do You Know This?

• What you hear in a lecture may not be found in textbooks.
• A lecture is not meant to be comprehensive.
• Lecturers may present views different from their own; they may
simply explore different approaches within the field.
• Lecture notes made available through VLEs will not reflect all that
was said in the lecture.
• Approaches and style differ between lecturers and subjects and
disciplines.
• Even if voluntary, it is important to attend lectures. Listening to your
lecturer explain the topic lays the foundation for understanding.
• The lecture programme may be divided into topic areas, with
different lecturers delivering their specialist topic.
 Gathering Information –Lectures and Tutorials Topic 4 - 4.9

Discussion Session
To be sure you can get the most from lectures,
can you do?
– Before the lecture
– During the lecture
– After the lecture

Discuss in small groups and record!

 Gathering Information –Lectures and Tutorials Topic 4 - 4.10

Before the Lecture...

• Get a feel for the subject.
o Read (or flick through) a book/chapter about the
lecture subject.
o Look for themes, issues, topics and headings.
o Look up any technical words you don't understand.
• Write down questions you want answered.Leave
space to write the answers under each question.
• Jot down your own opinion. Notice if it changes
during the lecture.
• Look for links in notes from the previous lecture.
 Gathering Information –Lectures and Tutorials Topic 4 - 4.11

During the Lecture...

• Good lecturers tell you at the start the main topics that will be
covered. Slides may be available.
• Check if lecturers prefer questions during or after the lecture.
• Focus by listening for clues on direction. (E.g. 'There are five
major categories of ...', or 'Why did this happen?’)
• Take notes of headings, questions, sub-points, & references.
• Avoid writing details you can get later from a textbook. Keep
your attention for your listening. If you are not clear, ask.
• In your head, challenge what the lecturer says: this will help
to focus your attention. Ask, 'Is this always the case?' 'How
representative is this?’, 'Why is this?' and 'Do I agree?'
• Indicate questions raised by the lecture in a different colour.
 Gathering Information –Lectures and Tutorials Topic 4 - 4.12

After the Lecture...

• Label and file your lecture notes and any handouts.

• Read through your notes. Fill in details from your

reading or research.

• Discuss the lecture with others. Compare your notes

and fill in any gaps.

Link new information to what you already know

 Gathering Information –Lectures and Tutorials Topic 4 - 4.13

Do You Know This?

Been there, seen that, done that!
• You may find that you have covered a topic at school
or college or even in another subject. You may think
that you can skip those lectures or not take notes.
• BUT the topic will probably be taught in a different way
and for a different purpose. The changes are often
subtle but important. Don’t ignore or switch off.
• The lecturer may also take you further than your
previous studies, so it’s wise to revisit the ‘old stuff’ and
be ready to absorb the different approach and emphasis.
McMillan and Weyers (2006)
 Gathering Information –Lectures and Tutorials Topic 4 - 4.14

Engagement During Lectures...

... is more than just ‘turning up’
• Put all distractions aside – personal messages,
texts, work, thoughts, plans, etc.
• Mentally challenge what you hear
• Listen actively and attentively - avoid drifting off by
keeping listning actively and making good notes
instead.
• Make selective notes...your own notes, but not too
many notes, in your own words.
Based on Cottrell, 2019
 Gathering Information –Lectures and Tutorials Topic 4 - 4.15

Checkpoint Summary
• As an ‘independent learner’ you decide how to get
the best from learning sessions such as lectures.
• Lectures are a starting point for study, give an
overview, and summarise evidence from research.
• To get the most from lectures involves thinking
about what you need to do before, during, and after
the lecture.
• Getting the most from lectures means ‘being
engaged’ and not just turning up!
 Gathering Information –Lectures and Tutorials Topic 4 - 4.16

Do You Know This?

Active Listening means gaining an understanding

what you are hearing.
• Listening is more than hearing.
• Listening is an active process that engages the
listener in a variety of mental processes.
– holding verbal stimuli in your working memory long
enough to attach meaning to the words; and
– then to interpret what the speaker is saying
 Gathering Information –Lectures and Tutorials Topic 4 - 4.17

Practical Tips for Better Listening

• Think about where in the lecture theatre suits you.

• Understand the jargon and the technical terms.

• Be well organised.

• Don’t try to take down all the lecturer’s words as if

they were dictation.
 Gathering Information –Lectures and Tutorials Topic 4 - 4.18

Purpose of Note-Taking
Think about your purpose when you take notes; this will
affect your approach. This may be:
• to keep a record of what was said for future reference
and exam revision;
• to note key points to allow you to do follow-up reading
on the topics in your own time;
• to provide a record of a constructed argument, a
sequence of ideas or a process;
• to derive a proof or formulae.
 Gathering Information –Lectures and Tutorials Topic 4 - 4.19

Adjusting to the Rate of Speech

Speech, Writing, and Thinking Rates
Average rate of speech during lectures: 100-125 wpm
Average rate of writing: 30 wpm
Average rate of thinking: 400 wpm

• Paraphrase the speaker by shortening and rewording.

• Use abbreviations, a set of symbols., a modified form
of printing/writing.
• Keep writing.
• Stay focused.
 Gathering Information –Lectures and Tutorials Topic 4 - 4.20

Tips for Good Note-Taking

• Listen for and note key ideas, explanations and
examples.
• Develop a note-taking style that provides notes still
meaningful in a few weeks’ or months’ time.
• Cultivate your own ‘code’:
– underlining or highlighting points the lecturer emphasised;
– asterisks (*) for points or new words to look up later;
– BLOCK CAPITALS for sub-headings or keywords;
– abbreviations for your subject - in general use or that you
create.
 Gathering Information –Lectures and Tutorials Topic 4 - 4.21

Linear Notes
• Good for scientific
subjects and others that
follow processes or
procedures where stages
are involved..
• Easy to read-back using
decimal notation for sub-
points
• Effective use of white
space makes this
memorable.
McMillan and Weyers (2006)
 Gathering Information –Lectures and Tutorials Topic 4 - 4.22

Concept maps/Mind maps

• Good for meandering
lecture where there is
back-tracking, re-
emphasis and repetition.
• Suits some (visual)
learning styles better than
others.
• Easily annotated but can
become cramped
• Needs tidy writing...or
software..
McMillan and Weyers (2006)
 Gathering Information –Lectures and Tutorials Topic 4 - 4.23

Using Your Lecture Notes

• Complete your notes after the lecture.

• Add more structure to your notes.
• Supplement your notes.
• Rewrite your notes when justified.
• Recite, reflect, and review your notes.

Your Exams
Review
Source Summary or
Notes Notes
Assignments

Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 10 - 23

 Gathering Information –Lectures and Tutorials Topic 4 - 4.24

Tips for Participating in Tutorials 1

Some general pointers for problem-solving tutorials:
• Think about the underlying principles involved in
the exercises.
• Make sure that you have done the full set of
examples beforehand..
• Don’t feel that your question is stupid.
• Get your question in early on in the session.

McMillan and Weyers (2006)

 Gathering Information –Lectures and Tutorials Topic 4 - 4.25

Tips for Participating in Tutorials 2

Some useful general pointers for tutorials based on
discussion:
• Make sure that you do contribute.
• Make your points clearly and objectively.
• Don’t take criticism of your ideas personally.

McMillan and Weyers (2006)

 Gathering Information –Lectures and Tutorials Topic 4 - 4.26

Topic Summary
• Lectures are a starting point for study, give an
overview, and summarise evidence from research.
• To get the most from lectures means thinking about
what is needed before, during, and after the lecture.
• Getting the most from lectures means ‘being
engaged’ and listening actively.
• You can think faster than a lecturer speaks. Use it to
your advantage.
• Tutorials are discussion-based or problem-solving.
Each needs a particular approach
 Gathering Information –Lectures and Tutorials Topic 4 - 4.27

Preparing for the Tutorial and the

Next Topic
• The tutorial will follow this lecture, ensure that you
have completed all the necessary private study
exercises beforehand.

• The next topic will be on critical thinking and

reasoning.

• Ensure that you complete the necessary private

study exercises to help prepare for the next topic.
 Gathering Information –Lectures and Tutorials Topic 4 - 4.28

References
• Cottrell, S. (2019) The Study Skills Handbook, 5th Edition,
Bloomsbury Academic
• McMillan, K and Weyers J. (2006) The Smarter Student,
Pearson Education, Harlow
• McMillan, K and Weyers, J. (2021) The Study Skills Book,
Pearson
Topic 4 – Gathering Information – Lectures
and Tutorials

Any Questions?
 Gathering Information –Lectures and Tutorials Topic 4 - 4.30

Quiz - Check Your Understanding

1. What are the main purposes of a lecture?
2. What specific types of information should you look out
for during a lecture?
3. In what ways is your role at a lecture different from
that at a tutorial?
4. What steps would you take to prepare yourself for a
forthcoming lecture?
5. What is active listening?
6. What are the main the differences between linear and
diagrammatic or mind mapping techniques of taking
notes?