The unsung hero of study strategies is note-taking. Choosing the proper style for you can mean the difference between performing a mediocre job and completely changing the subject. This will assist you in preparing for college courses as well as your future profession.
Whether you are reviewing weekly classes or preparing for an exam, the way to take notes can help you in your studies.
Taking notes is an incredibly effective tool, but widely underused. Well done, you can achieve better results, be confident in your studies and you will be ahead of your peers once in college.
What's wrong with note-taking?
Firstly, it is not necessary to write everything down. This is a mistake that many students make.
Then there is the problem of not writing enough or just as robust. Even though we like to think that we remember what a teacher or instructor wanted to say on a video, or what those miserable points mean, most of us don't have a memory that remembers everything.
And when it comes to textbooks and notes prepared by your teacher, it may seem excessive to take your own notes, but you really need to do it.
You will see it in every way, but there are a number of proven and true techniques.
Note-taking techniques
The Cornell method
This has been around for decades and was created at Cornell University in the United States. There are two columns on the page and five steps: record, ask, recite, reflect, write down. It also acts as a very effective study system.
The contour method
It is a linear method that naturally attracts many people. Usually organized with headers and bullets and written on the page. However, it can be more useful as a study technique than when new information is presented to you.
The mapping method
It looks like a tree with branches or a cloud with arms. It starts with an idea in the middle (the main topic), then has branches (main points) that extend with smaller branches (secondary points) below. If you are visual, you may prefer this system.
The graphical method
It's good if you know what the topics are before you start and there are different categories of information. Divide your page into several columns and start with the most important points at the top of each column, with the sub-points below.
The golden rule of Taking Notes
Never put away your notes and never see the light of day again. Whatever technique you adopt, be sure to look at the notes right after and organize them. Studies show that those who do not evaluate will forget 40% of the information learned after the first 24 hours and 60% after 48 hours.
How can I take better notes?
• Repeat, repeat, repeat. Stuffing for an exam does not work. What works is to review your material regularly.
• Pictures are easier to remember than words, so if you are short on time, draw a picture.
• If you like color coding, don't do it on the first note.
• Write short and concise sentences.
• Save time and use abbreviations and symbols.
• Use words that mean something to you.
• Use your teacher's notes or textbook as a starting point and as a way to familiarize yourself with the topic. But also use your note-taking method.
• Write questions to yourself if there is something that you do not understand. Do not blind him and hope that you will understand later.
• Don't try to write everything down. You will only have an overload of information. It is better to be involved and have an effective and efficient system for recording key points.
How to listen and take notes at the same time
Active listening is a skill. Read the material before class, be sure to sit where you are not distracted and get ready with your favorite note installation. Also pay attention to your teacher's body language, listen carefully if he comes back to a point several times, and if he writes something on the board or on his slides, be sure to take note of it.
Life after high school: what's next? Read more.
Pen and paper vs. typing
Is there a difference between typing notes on a laptop (or other electronic equipment or using an application) and using a pen and paper? Research indicates that there are, and physically writing things down seems to be the winner.
This is a slower task, so students need to be more selective in what they transcribe. The researchers also found that the mental processes involved in handwriting mean that students have a deeper understanding of the material.
If you still plan to use electronic equipment on pen and paper, then you are definitely not doomed. However, you should ignore your instinct to write everything down and be more selective. And, of course, immediately arrange the notes and review them regularly.
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