Study Strategies
Learning Strategies: Note-taking and Other Ways to Learn
Learning Strategies: Note-taking and Other Ways to Learn
During the course of a college education, students are inundated with an enormous amount of information. Finding a way to wade through all that information and figure out what is important and what is insignificant is essential to being successful in college. One of the ways that students can achieve this goal is through efficient note-taking. Taking notes helps to gain a better understanding of the concepts being discussed and helps retain the information being presented (O’Hara, 2005, p. 64). There are several strategies that when employed will greatly improve note-taking skills.
Preparation is key if students want to be successful in any course they take. According to Orr (1992), the first thing to do before diving into a class is to obtain a syllabus (p. 60). The syllabus lays out the objectives of the course. It lays out the course and explains the covered topics, the student expectations, and the evaluation methods. Reviewing the syllabus allows the student to see a breakdown of everything that is covered in the class and helps the student prepare for each week’s topics.
Professors assign readings in addition to supplying weekly lesson notes. It is important that students take notes on the reading assignments so that they have an understanding of what is being discussed in the lesson notes. Do not write any notes when reading a chapter for the first time. Instead, read one section at a time without taking notes, focusing on the reading assignment in an effort to gain an understanding of the material (“Reading texts”, 2011). Try to find the main ideas of the section and the supporting points of that section. Write down any questions that come to mind while reading and answer those questions upon completing the reading assignment or ask the professor for clarification when needed (O’Hara, 2005, p. 66). Jotting down questions and ideas will
Learning Strategies: Note-taking and Other Ways to Learn
During the course of a college education, students are inundated with an enormous amount of information. Finding a way to wade through all that information and figure out what is important and what is insignificant is essential to being successful in college. One of the ways that students can achieve this goal is through efficient note-taking. Taking notes helps to gain a better understanding of the concepts being discussed and helps retain the information being presented (O’Hara, 2005, p. 64). There are several strategies that when employed will greatly improve note-taking skills.
Preparation is key if students want to be successful in any course they take. According to Orr (1992), the first thing to do before diving into a class is to obtain a syllabus (p. 60). The syllabus lays out the objectives of the course. It lays out the course and explains the covered topics, the student expectations, and the evaluation methods. Reviewing the syllabus allows the student to see a breakdown of everything that is covered in the class and helps the student prepare for each week’s topics.
Professors assign readings in addition to supplying weekly lesson notes. It is important that students take notes on the reading assignments so that they have an understanding of what is being discussed in the lesson notes. Do not write any notes when reading a chapter for the first time. Instead, read one section at a time without taking notes, focusing on the reading assignment in an effort to gain an understanding of the material (“Reading texts”, 2011). Try to find the main ideas of the section and the supporting points of that section. Write down any questions that come to mind while reading and answer those questions upon completing the reading assignment or ask the professor for clarification when needed (O’Hara, 2005, p. 66). Jotting down questions and ideas will
References: Jackson, N. M. (2011). The art of taking notes. Instructor (1999), 121(3), 59-60. O 'Hara, S. (2005). Improving your study skills: Study smart, study less. US: Cliffs Notes. Orr, F. (1992). Study skills for successful students. Sydney: Allen & Unwin. Study Guides and Strategies. (2011). Directing your thinking series: Basics of mind/concept mapping. Retrieved from http://www.studygs.net/mapping/ Study Guides and Strategies. (2011). Reading texts: Note taking, marking and underlining. Retrieved from http://www.studygs.net/marking.htm