| Lecturer: | Shamua Spencer | Email: |
| Course Period: | January 2021 | Tel: |
| COURSE NAME: | SHORTHAND & MINUTE TAKING | |
| COURSE #: | TBA | |
| DURATION: | 6 months with 2 x 2-hour classes per week | |
Shorthand is any system of rapid handwriting which can be used to transcribe the spoken word. The shorthand systems use a variety of skills including simplifying existing letters or characters and using special strokes to represent phonemes, words and phrases.
At the end of this course- Students will be able to write correct shorthand from dictation,and to transcribe the same accurately. Students will be taught how to write, read and produce shorthand notes. At the end of each unit, students will be given a class quiz-and or test which entails that they transcribe and produce dictated notes.
NB. (Notes must be typed, edited, and produced for grading)
To develop the note taking speed through the mastery of a set of shorthand outlines to represent the 24 consonants and 12 vowels. The theory will be presented in clear and easy stages and given adequate practice on each unit. Students will be able to understand every shorthand rule in each unit thoroughly, and to follow the suggested practice plan. From time to time students will be required to record in shorthand -an article of about two hundred words on a subject of general interest selected from a newspaper, sample minutes from last meeting, an agenda, pamphlet or a magazine- the clipping should be attached to the shorthand notes. At the end of this course students will be able to write a minimum of 120 wpm. Assignments will be given at the end of each topic.
Diaphones, Medial Semi-Circle, Essential Vowels, Upward & Downward L, Upward and Downward ‘SH’.
Prefixes And Suffixes
General Contractions, Special Contractions and Figures
Advanced Phraseography
Intersections
Dictation Passages and their Transcription
Business Letters and their Transcription
Final Exam: Dictation (140 WPM) transcribed and produced
We will learn about the key skills necessary for effective minute taking, as well as the role of the chairperson and Minute-Taker in detail. It also explores the phases of minute taking and measures to coordinating a meeting.
We will learn how to organize for a meeting, exploring what should be contained in the meeting agenda and the guidelines for seating plans. It also includes tips on how to deal with a demanding meeting and what to do when a conversation goes off-course.
We will explore the formation of a meeting, covering key topics such as meeting presentations, committee business, matters arising, and action items. It also offers step-by-step guidance on how to effectively close a meeting,
In module four, we will discover the skills required to be an effective Minute-Taker, taking a detailed look at best practices before, throughout, and after a meeting. You will also learn how to construct your notes and make them as transparent as possible.
We will learn a broad range of tips from the experts, on how to improve your effective listening skills, and guidance on how to generate a Minutes template. It contains what information should be documented during a meeting and what should be left out.
