Note Taking and Study Skills
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Transcript Note Taking and Study Skills
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: 718-518-4319
Or visit us at:
[email protected]