Abstract:
The major aim of this research work is to investigate note-taking strategies used by third year
License English language students at Mohammed Seddik Ben Yahia University. It also aims
to examine the note-taking listening and writing difficulties. It is hypothesized that third year
English language students are not aware of the importance of note-taking strategies and they
face different difficulties in relation to the listening and writing skills. To test the validity of
these hypotheses, a questionnaire was administered to 70 third year License English students
at Mohammed Seddik Ben Yahia University. The findings indicate that the students are aware
of the importance of note-taking in enhancing their level and show that they encounter a
number of listening and writing note-taking difficulties such as lack of concentration, speed
rate of speech, organization of notes, lack of mastery of vocabulary and grammar, the
lecturer’s accent, and spelling mistakes. Based on these results obtained, this study suggests
for teachers to be collaborative with their students by repeating the important information and
giving them enough time to record points and correct the mistakes. It also suggests for
students to practice both listening and writing skills outside classroom to improve their note
taking strategies and overcome their difficulties.
