Notetaking for CSWs: How to create useful notes for Deaf students
Imagine you're supporting a Deaf student during a lecture.
The tutor is speaking quickly, moving between slides and answering questions from the class.
There's a lot of information to follow.
You're trying to identify what matters, keep up with the discussion and make sure the student can access the information they need.
So, how do you decide what to write down?
Good notetaking involves much more than writing quickly.
It requires active listening, organisation and an understanding of how the notes will be used.
Start with the purpose of the notes
Before taking notes, consider what the Deaf student needs from them.
Will they use the notes to revise?
To remember what happened during a discussion?
To follow up on instructions or assignments?
Different purposes may require different approaches.
It's also important to discuss the student's preferences rather than assuming that one notetaking style will work for everyone.
Learn to recognise important information
One of the biggest challenges is deciding what information to prioritise.
During a lecture, pay particular attention to:
- key concepts and explanations
- important dates and deadlines
- instructions and actions
- examples that help explain a topic
- questions and answers that add useful context
Trying to capture every word can make it difficult to organise the information effectively.
Instead, focus on accuracy, meaning and the level of detail the student requires.
Prepare before the session
Preparation can make a significant difference.
If possible, review the topic, presentation slides and specialist terminology before the session begins.
This helps you recognise important information and reduces the pressure of encountering unfamiliar terms while taking notes.
It also allows you to think about which notetaking method might be most suitable.
Find a method that works
There are several approaches CSWs can explore.
The Cornell method helps organise information into notes, key points and summaries.
Mind mapping can help show relationships between ideas.
Abbreviations and symbols can also be useful, provided the finished notes remain clear and understandable.
No single method is suitable for every situation.
The important thing is knowing when and how to use each approach.
Remember your professional responsibilities
Notetaking should support the Deaf person's access to information and independence.
A CSW should understand the boundaries of their assignment, including whether notetaking forms part of their agreed responsibilities or whether a separate notetaker is required.
Confidentiality, accuracy and appropriate handling of information are also essential.
Keep developing your skills
Notetaking is a professional skill that improves with practice and reflection.
Think about your last assignment.
Were your notes easy to follow?
Did you capture the important information?
Would the person receiving them be able to use them effectively afterwards?
These questions can help identify where you might want to improve.
At Deaf Umbrella, our CPD-accredited Notetaking for CSWs course explores practical techniques, including active listening, identifying important information and different notetaking methods.
The course is self-paced, allowing you to develop your skills around your existing commitments.
Explore Notetaking for CSWs and develop your professional skills: https://deafumbrella.mykajabi.com/how-to-notetaking-csw
