Unless you’ve got an unusually gifted memory, just listening to lectures is not enough. Just reading Powerpoint slides is not enough. You need to take notes in order to :
- Help youself concentrate
- Have information to study later, using techniques that let you say and do things to help youself.
| 10 Ways to Improve Your Notes |  |
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1. Be ready to start . Important information is often given right at the beginning of class. Have your paper and pen/pencil ready. Bring a back-up pen, & two colours of writing implements or a highlighter. 2. Use a notetaking system. “Cornell notetaking” not only keeps your notes organized, but provides a review and study notes in one easy step. 3. Review previous notes. If you scan the last few pages of class notes, you’ll be ready with the terminology fresh in mind. You’ll save time by not having to rewrite points you know are already in your notes. 4. Do the assigned readings. This will save you time and confusion during class, because you’ll be familiar with the terminology and concepts. You can even prepare yourself with abbreviations for longer words. |
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| Cornell Note Taking System | |
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1. Set up a double-width left margin, and a 2” margin at the bottom of each page (can draw a line or just fold). 2.Take notes in the space indicated above. 3. On the same day as the lecture, review the notes, writing cue words or questions in the left margin for the information beside it. 4. Write a brief summary in your own words in the bottom margin when a section of information is logically complete Presto! You have instant study notes! To use them, simply cover up your notes, and recite what you remember from just looking at your cue words or questions (simulating a test question). Uncover to check your recall. |
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| Common Abbreviations & Symbols | |
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Depending on your writing speed, Instructors generally speak faster than you can write. Help yourself out by abbreviating some words. You are less likely to fall behind and your hand won't be as sore at the end of class! Common Abbreviations & Symbols: w/ with bkgd or bg background w/o without eg example b/c because imp. important ltd limited env environment ppt precipitate vs versus ↑ increase ↓ decrease → leads to, causes ∆ change Go ahead and make your own abbreviations — just make sure to note them in your margin so you know what you meant later on. For example: Ps photosynethesis Ps-ic photosynethetic Ps’ing photosynethesizing |
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