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

Note Taking Tips 3 Essential Steps 1. Observe 2. Record 3. 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

Record Decide on a system of note taking : A. 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

Note Taking Tips cont’d  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

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 1. Daily Reviews 2. Weekly Reviews 3. 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

Study Techniques  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: Or visit us at: