Note Taking and Study Skills

Note Taking and Study Skills Presented By New Student Advisement & Retention( STARS) Center

Note Taking Tips3 Essential Steps • Observe • Record • Review

Observe • Eyes of Professor – glances at notes then makes point – this signals that info is important. • Level of interest/animation • Repetition to emphasize point • Word clues :lists, conclusion, on the other hand

Pauses before/after an idea Writes an idea on board or uses overhead projector Transitions from one point to the next Changes in voice inflection Word signals…enumeration of series of points Big deep breaths

RecordDecide on a system of note taking: • Cornell Method – (see handout) • Record notes in “note taking” section • Leave “Recall Section” for key words and phrases B. Index Cards: 3*5 • Label and date all notes • New card for each topic/theme/idea/concept • Organize cards ASAP!

C. Outline Form Illustrates relationship between major points and supporting ideas You are recording info as well as organizing them (see example in handout)

Format • In first “top”level headings note major topic presented in lecture or reading or lecture • In third level headings, record specific facts and details that support or explain second level info. • In second level heading record key points that relate to each topic in first level headings

D. Key Words (or phrases) • Contain the essence of the lecture or reading • Includes technical terms/names/numbers etc. • Builds associations with other words and ideas • Key words trigger memory… they are powerful review tools • A few key words can initiate the recall of a whole group of ideas and reconstruct an entire lecture

E. Paragraph Form • When it is difficult to follow organization of lecture or to put info into outline form • Paragraph will be informal and contain few complete sentences • Use complete sentences for precise definition, direct quotations and important points that Prof. emphasizes.

Note Taking Tips • Note taking is a “think as you write” process (not stenography) • Eliminate some small connecting words and pronouns • Use standard abbreviations/use symbols (see handout) • Leave room for questions and missing info. e.g.( ? )

Note Taking Tips cont’d • Copy all information from board • Preference for three ring binder/loose leaf, enables you to: • spread out notes for easy review • insert class handouts • insert notes from class in correct order • easily make revisions/corrections/additions • Take notes on one side of paper.. able to spread sheets side by side for easy review

Keep your own comments/notes separate.. Avoid confusion with professor’s Label, number and date all notes Leave blank spaces…use later to clarify notes/pts enabling you to add materials/write questions Take notes in different colors .e.g. write important points in red Note Taking Tips cont’d

Review • Within the first 24 hrs or sooner • Edit notes as soon as possible while its fresh in your memory • Fill in key words (Cornell’s method) from lecture notes • Use recall column • reduces forgetting

Use recall column cont’d • Promotes understanding • Warm up for classes • Important help for tests • Treat as exam preparation

Three Types of Reviews • Daily Reviews • Weekly Reviews • Major Reviews

Daily Reviews • Short pre and post class reviews of lecture notes • Before you begin a new reading assignment, scan notes and underlined sections in previous assignments • Concentrate on two kinds of material a. materials just learned b. materials that involve simple memorization .e.g. definitions and dates

Daily Reviews Cont’d • Conduct short daily reviews several times throughout the day...index cards a must!!! • Begin to review the first day of class! • Go over notes during a lull in class • Immediately after class review notes again

Weekly Reviews • Longer (about an hour per subject) and more structured • Review each subject at least once a week • Weekly review sessions of assigned reading and lecture notes

Major Reviews • Usually conducted the week before finals or major exams • Longer review periods...two to five hours at a stretch with breaks • Breaks required for effective review of materials • During long sessions, study the most difficult subjects at the beginning of the session.. when you are most alert

Note Taking Is Important • It helps you to remember the information • It helps you to prepare for tests • It helps you to concentrate in class • Your notes are a good source of information as it indicates all the important points • Your notes often contain information that cannot be found elsewhere

StudyTechniques • Be aware of your time, choose the best time to study and stick to it • Study difficult subject first (why?) • Use “waiting” time effectively...waiting for the bus, the dentist, between classes • Use regular study area day after day...your body and mind knows where you are

Study Techniques cont’d. • Study where you will be alert!...Don't study where you sleep!! • Use the library...it gives you a signal to quiet the mind and get to work • Be mindful of your ability to focus...notice the interruptions, let them go and continue to study

Study Techniques cont’d. • Agree with other individuals (family or others) about study time • Get off the phone, utilize the answering machine. Don’t be a phone victim! • Hang a “do not disturb” sign on your door, beware of repeat offenders

Please complete the evaluation handout... Thank you for attending!!! New STARS Center Savoy Building Room101D Telephone: 718-518-4319 Or visit us at:www.newstars@hostos.cuny.edu

Note Taking and Study Skills