An Investigation of Lectures Note-Taking Strategies and Difficulties

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.