Note Taking and Study Skills

Presented ByNew Student Advisement & Retention( STARS) Center

Note Taking Tips3 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

RecordDecide 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 FormIllustrates 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 notesLeave 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 soonerEdit notes as soon as possible while its

fresh in your memoryFill in key words (Cornell’s method)

from lecture notes Use recall column reduces forgetting

Use recall column cont’d

Promotes understandingWarm up for classesImportant help for testsTreat as exam preparation

Three Types of Reviews

1. Daily Reviews 2. Weekly Reviews3. 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 testsIt helps you to concentrate in classYour 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 classesUse 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 BuildingRoom101D

Telephone: 718-518-4319Or visit us at:

www.newstars@hostos.cuny.edu