In the field of observation, chance favors only the
prepared mind.
Louis Pasteur, 1822 - 1895
French scientist
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Classroom learning series
Taking notes in classroom lectures
You can develop your own note taking system and study strategy
with the five "R's" of note-taking:
Record * Reduce * Recite * Reflect * Review
Get a good loose-leaf notebook:
This will enable you to add,
delete, and re-sequence pages and materials.
Begin each session's notes with a cover page for later summaries and test
preparation.
A typical notes page:
Heading
Date
Class/subject or title or number (e.g. 3/34)
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Heading,
continued
Guest speakers' names,
including your fellow students' contributions |
2. Reduce:
After the class
Summarize:
key/cue words
phrases
questions
Link to information from your textbook, Websites or other sources that helps
you understand or study the material |
1. Record/take notes in class here:
identify the main points
capture the main ideas
Use outlines or
concept maps
Use words and pictures and graphs or whatever it takes to get the information
down quickly. Avoid quoting unless it is very necessary.
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3. Place notes in this
section when reviewing/studying
(see 5 below)
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- Review from memory what you have learned
- Using the left hand margin's key words and questions, talk through, or
illustrate definitions, concepts, etc.
- Create your own examples
4. Reflect: Think over!
- How does this relate to what you knew before?
- Note the
essay terms and find
the best ones that refer to your studies: Apply, Compare, Diagram, Evaluate,
etc...
5. Review the notes you took
- At your next study session
- Before reading new material
- When studying for tests
Make notes on your "notes page"
Multiple pages of notes for one lecture:
- summarize each page at its bottom,
- summarize the lecture on a cover or end page
"Retrieval practice" will help you understand a lecture
especially soon after. Strategies include:
- Write out questions for follow up
- Create flashcards on important concepts
- Isolate important concepts--create flashcards.
Look up/search
for concepts to get another explanation
- Discuss the material with others
Schedule time for "retrieval practice" to solidify your knowledge/understanding.
Classroom learning series
Website overview:
Kiosk guides for learning are a freely accessible educational environment that offers strategies to recognize and realize learning objectives. We accept individual differences without regard to ability and creed; sexual and affectional orientation; caste, tribal and national affiliation; individual, familial and collective history. Our suggestions should be thoughtfully considered for appropriateness and guidance to your situation, relying on elders, mentors, cohorts and/or professionals to achieve learning objectives and outcomes.