5 answers
5 answers
Updated
david’s Answer
Hi, Irah,
I admire that you seek tips in taking notes. People assume it to be an easy task, but it is not. However, what works for one person may not work for another. My approach was always:
- use keywords, not full sentences. full sentences take too long to write when you're listening to an instructor.
- if using paper for note-taking, leave several blank lines under each keyword to allow brief phrases to be written in to reinforce the keyword.
- in subsequent class sessions, collect notes the same, and merge together for a broader view, using a PC, continually cutting and pasting the notes forward reinforces the words and helps you build a better understanding
- review the keywords, rewriting and merging where new insight applies. The more you do this, the more you will find yourself rewriting notes because you now know more.
I admire that you seek tips in taking notes. People assume it to be an easy task, but it is not. However, what works for one person may not work for another. My approach was always:
- use keywords, not full sentences. full sentences take too long to write when you're listening to an instructor.
- if using paper for note-taking, leave several blank lines under each keyword to allow brief phrases to be written in to reinforce the keyword.
- in subsequent class sessions, collect notes the same, and merge together for a broader view, using a PC, continually cutting and pasting the notes forward reinforces the words and helps you build a better understanding
- review the keywords, rewriting and merging where new insight applies. The more you do this, the more you will find yourself rewriting notes because you now know more.
Updated
Laura’s Answer
Just a short note to add to what has been said above - I have started using ROAM (https://roamresearch.com/) for note taking and I really love it. They have a free trial and LOTS of online videos instructing you how to get the most out of the tool. Hope you find this useful!
Updated
Gregory’s Answer
My trick in college with regards to studying was repetition. I would take quick fast notes during my lecture and then go back and rewrite my notes over and over. Same with any study guides or book material. I would constantly rewrite, over and over until I understood all the materials as best I can. As you go over it a few times you get to see what really sticks in your mind vs. what you can highlight and go back and put some extra emphasis on. I would also utilize and group sessions or study sessions with the TA if there is one to get the most information with as much detail as possible.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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Answers
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hi Irah,
Absolutely, I'm more than happy to share some effective study and note-taking strategies that might work well for you. Since you mentioned that you like to review your notes and write in full sentences, here are some tactics that could complement your learning style:
1. Review and Summarize: After jotting down notes in class or from a book, make sure to go over them again and condense the main points in your own language. This can help solidify the information in your mind.
2. Cornell Note-taking Technique: This approach requires you to split a page into two sections: one for jotting down notes and the other for summarizing or posing questions about those notes. Regularly reviewing your notes by hiding the right column and recalling what you wrote can be beneficial.
3. Outline Structure: Arrange your notes in an outline structure, with each primary point serving as a heading and secondary points indented below. This can help you visualize the information's structure and make reviewing easier.
4. Concept Mapping: Make a visual representation of the connections between different ideas using diagrams or mind maps. This can help you see the links between concepts and make remembering information easier.
5. SQ3R Technique: This acronym stands for Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review. Start by scanning the material for an overview, then transform headings and subheadings into questions and attempt to answer them as you read. Lastly, recite the answers to yourself and review them from time to time.
6. Spaced Repetition: Instead of cramming all at once, review your notes regularly over an extended period. This method has been proven to be an effective way to store information in your long-term memory.
7. Interleaving: Shuffle your study materials so that you're not just concentrating on one subject at a time. This can enhance your ability to differentiate between similar concepts and draw connections between them.
8. Elaborative Interrogation: Ask yourself 'why' or 'how' questions about the material you're studying and try to formulate explanations in your own words. This can deepen your comprehension of the material and make it more memorable.
9. Self-Explanation: As you study, explain to yourself how or why something functions. This can clarify concepts in your mind and make them more memorable.
10. Practice Testing: Periodically test yourself on the material to gauge how well you've retained it. This can help pinpoint areas where you need more study and strengthen your memory of the material over time.
Absolutely, I'm more than happy to share some effective study and note-taking strategies that might work well for you. Since you mentioned that you like to review your notes and write in full sentences, here are some tactics that could complement your learning style:
1. Review and Summarize: After jotting down notes in class or from a book, make sure to go over them again and condense the main points in your own language. This can help solidify the information in your mind.
2. Cornell Note-taking Technique: This approach requires you to split a page into two sections: one for jotting down notes and the other for summarizing or posing questions about those notes. Regularly reviewing your notes by hiding the right column and recalling what you wrote can be beneficial.
3. Outline Structure: Arrange your notes in an outline structure, with each primary point serving as a heading and secondary points indented below. This can help you visualize the information's structure and make reviewing easier.
4. Concept Mapping: Make a visual representation of the connections between different ideas using diagrams or mind maps. This can help you see the links between concepts and make remembering information easier.
5. SQ3R Technique: This acronym stands for Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review. Start by scanning the material for an overview, then transform headings and subheadings into questions and attempt to answer them as you read. Lastly, recite the answers to yourself and review them from time to time.
6. Spaced Repetition: Instead of cramming all at once, review your notes regularly over an extended period. This method has been proven to be an effective way to store information in your long-term memory.
7. Interleaving: Shuffle your study materials so that you're not just concentrating on one subject at a time. This can enhance your ability to differentiate between similar concepts and draw connections between them.
8. Elaborative Interrogation: Ask yourself 'why' or 'how' questions about the material you're studying and try to formulate explanations in your own words. This can deepen your comprehension of the material and make it more memorable.
9. Self-Explanation: As you study, explain to yourself how or why something functions. This can clarify concepts in your mind and make them more memorable.
10. Practice Testing: Periodically test yourself on the material to gauge how well you've retained it. This can help pinpoint areas where you need more study and strengthen your memory of the material over time.
Updated
Emma’s Answer
You asked a good question. Taking notes and studying definitely helped me succeed in all of my classes. I would have a dedicated notebook for each class and I would write down my notes for each subject. I used post-it notes a lot as a reminder to ask questions when I wasn't too sure about a subject. Also, I would rely on any study guides the teacher provided and reading materials. I made it a habit to join study sessions with other students even if it was online and that helped me too. I would try to familiarize myself with the material as soon as I learned it versus waiting last minute when the teacher announced there would be a test. This helped me learn the material at my pace without having to cram information last minute.