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Taking notes in class is one of the most important things students can
do to help themselves remember information. Some students do not
like to take notes or feel they do not need to take notes. The
truth is, every student can benefit from taking notes. Why?
- taking notes reinforces
all learning styles;
- sometimes instructors
give information that is not in the textbook;
- taking notes forces students use
organization, which helps the brain to remember;
- taking notes requires acquisition of and use of critical
thinking;
- note taking develops
active listening skills;
- it requires the student
to focus and pay attention;
- note taking reinforces
what is already known and solidifies understanding;
- it provides a record of
what was discussed;
- note taking helps the
student determine what the instructor thinks is important; and
- students can use notes
to make example test questions or flash cards for test reviews.
When you are in the classroom, sit according
to your learning style.
- If you are a visual learner, you need to sit near the front
center of the room. You will be able to
focus on the instructor and any audio or visual demonstrations.
- If you are a visual learner and were to sit to the left,
right, or to the back, you will see the other students, see movements,
and become distracted.
- Remember, you want to
help your brain. Your brain doesn't like distractions.
- Auditory learners
learn well in the back of the room, but only if the instructor has a
voice that projects well. Otherwise, sitting in the back of the
room will greatly hinder the auditory learner.
- The point is choosing
good seating is to help your brain focus in order for you to take better notes.
Take your notes on yellow legal paper.
Use black ink. The reasons for both are that doing so makes a good
contrast for your brain. It doesn't overwhelm it. These two
points seem minor, but they alone can make a big difference in
legibility and memory.
- If you've ever noticed, when you
use pencil on white paper, the notes tend to start looking like
a big, gray blob. That means your brain gets overwhelmed
and can't or won't try to read or study the notes. It may
try to make an effort, but it just can't remember them and
usually gives up.
The same thing is true if you push all of
your notes together without leaving "breathing space" for your brain.
When you take your notes, leave a few lines between major concepts.
Advertisers call this "white space." In addition, leave one inch
margins on both sides of your notes. For one thing, that allows
for more white space, and for another it allows you to add information.
Also, try to underline major concepts and to number items under the
concept.
However, remember, your notes don't have
to be perfect. These notes are only for you. Use
abbreviations. Don't use full sentences. If the instructor
talks about items out of order, just draw a circle around the note and
put an arrow pointing to where it belongs.
The more you practice at taking notes,
the faster you will become. |
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Now, I'm going to hit you with the really
big news on note taking. It's not just "make work." It's not
just something to refer to after class. Note taking is a form of
study. It's a way of helping your brain learn without having to
continually bore your brain by using the same form of study.
So here's the big news: you'll really
have five sets of notes when you get through. But, don't worry.
As I said, they are a form of studying, not "make work." As you
are doing the note taking, you are thinking about what you are writing.
You are questioning the information and finding the answers, then
writing them down. Note taking is a very active process, not a
passive one.
- Your first set was while reading
your text book. Please see our page on text book marking.
- Your second set was in the class
room.
- Your third set is immediately after
class or within 24 hours. The reason? You must add in
anything you forgot or didn't have time to add in during class.
Not only that, but scientists have discovered that if you don't
review something new within 24 hours of its being presented, the
information will not make it to your long term memory.
- In the left hand column, summarize
your notes using key words or thoughts; answer questions; and give
examples. Once
you get into this habit, you won't panic over a missed point during
class. You'll be able to get with your instructor later (or the
textbook), if needed.
- Next, combine all of the above
notes. Try to get them into some order. Why?
You'll need them in one place for the next step.
- The fifth and final set of notes is
reorganizing your notes. Since your brain likes things to be
organized in order for it to remember items, you need to organize
your notes. If you like to type, type up the final set, but
make sure you are thinking while you are typing, or it will not help
you. If you don't like to type and would rather write, do so,
as long as you are thinking as you are writing.
- Put all of the "like" things
together.
- Ask yourself questions and make
sure you can answer them. Write the questions and answers
down.
- Remember to still leave plenty
of white space.
- Remember to underline key
points.
- Now is the time to number items
under key points.
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Okay, so how do you "design" these notes?
I suggest taking your paper and putting your name in the upper left
corner, along with the class and chapter. Then, over in the right
corner, put the page number of your numbers. This way, if you do
lose your notes, someone may find them and get them back to you.
In addition, you'll be able to keep your classes separate. Don't
write notes on both side of our paper. Let the page you just
finished hang over the desk. That way, you can flip the legal pad
pages quickly and keep pace quickly.
Jelaine McCamish
Page 1
A&P I
Chapters 11 - 12 |
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