Step By Step to College and Career Success 4th Edition

1. Step By Step to College and Career Success4th Edition Step 5: Listening and Taking Notes

2. Topics • Knowing the Basics of Listening and Note-Taking • Preparing for and Participating in Class • Taking Notes in Nonlecture and Quantitative Courses • Reviewing Your Notes

3. Reflections: How do you measure up? Always? Occasionally? Never? 1. During class I note all key points. 2. If I do not understand something, I ask questions in class. 3. In math or science courses, I write down everything the instructor puts on the board or screen. 4. I look for opportunities to join study groups.

4. Listening and Remembering • Review notes from previous class • Consider recording lecture with permission • Class discussions may be valued more than assigned reading • Ask questions • Take notes

5. Note-Taking Methods • The Cornell Format • Outlining • Paragraph Format • List Format

6. The Cornell System

7. Outlining Formal Format Informal Format

8. Paragraph Format • Identify critical ideas • Summarize along the way • You determine what is important & how info is related to the topics • Especially effective for a disorganized lecture Theories of Personality Personality trait = “durable disposition to behavior in a particular way in a variety of situations” According to McCrae & Costa personality traits derive from just 5 higher-order traits…..

9. List Format • Good for definitions, sequences and facts • Can be used in combination with Cornell formats with key terms on left margin Key Terms:

10. Effective Notes • Identify the main ideas • Summarize the class • Provide a general framework for studying after a disorganized lecture • Can be used to study and recall information you have not noted in class

11. Develop Your Note-taking Style • Successful students take good notes • Successful note-taking reflects: • Complexity course content • Lecturer’s style • Your learning preferences Only note the words that matter

12. Preparing for and Participating in Class • Prepare to remember • Listen critically • Speak up

13. Prepare to Remember • Review syllabus • Do assigned reading • Preview various notes and summaries • Get organized

14. Listen Critically • Be ready for the message • Listen for main concepts • Listen for new ideas • Repeat mentally • Distinguish what is important • Keep an open mind • Listen to entire message • Sort, organize, categorize

15. Speak Up • Sit close to front with eyes on teacher • Focus on lecture • Raise your hand to ask questions • Speak up in class

16. Taking Notes in Nonlecture and Quantitative Courses • Problem-solving discussions Problem: Proposed solution 1 and reason:

17. Preparing for Classes in Quantitative Courses • Courses build on each other • Previewing notes for class can involve previous lectures in the class and previous course notes • Check instructor’s web site for materials, download and take to class • Take notes only on the front of sheets • Consider using pencil • Organize notes chronologically • Label and organize handouts

18. Tips for Note-Taking in Math and Science • Write down equations, formulas, diagrams, charts, graphs, and definitions • Quote instructor’s technical words carefully • Use standard symbols, abbreviations and scientific notation • Include problem examples in notes • Listen carefully to questions and answers • Highlight important points • Review notes with text and revise notes if needed

19. Review and Revise Your Notes • Write down the main ideas • Recite ideas out loud • Reorganize if needed • Preview your notes again before the next class

20. Comparing Notes • Improve your skills • Periodically evaluate your note-taking process • Plan for notes coverage if you will be absent from class

21. Class Notes and Homework • Review your notes • Do homework • Read questions carefully • Seek help to enhance understanding if needed • Think about the point of the assignment and what you learned • Submit work on time

22. Tips for Effective Studying • Study daily • Manage your time • Collaborate • Use your learning style • Reduce external distractions • Get a tutor if needed

23. Reflections: How do you measure up? Always? Occasionally? Never? 1. During class I note all key points. 2. If I do not understand something, I ask questions in class. 3. In math or science courses, I write down everything the instructor puts on the board or screen. 4. I look for opportunities to join study groups.