Getting the most out of class

Getting the Most out of ClassChapter 7

VIDEO

How to get the most out of your lecture

Exercise • Think about a lecture you attended from

yesterdays class. • Write down everything you can remember from

that lecture. • Discuss the forgetting timeline.

Take notes in this class • On a sheet of paper, draw a line down the paper

about a third of the way in from the margin, making two columns with the one on the right slightly bigger.

• In the right hand column, take notes about the class

• On the left hand, right key ideas, phrases, summarize what is in the right hand column.

Being Engaged• One of our requirements from the beginning • First 3 rows vs last three rows • Ask questions for the good of the order • Before class do readings, review syllabus, print

out materials, review past material and get organized.

NOTE-TAKING BASICS • Do not be a stenographer • Active-listening!! • Print off slides beforehand so you can focus • Listen for information in lecture that was not in the reading • Read for details, listen for key concepts and ideas• Facts are important but easier to remember in the context of

concepts, themes and ideas• Think about what you hear and restate it silently in your own

words. • Decide what’s important • As you are copying down notes, also write down how this

material connects to previous material and any questions you may have

Effective Note-taking techniques • Previewing• Creates an organized mental outline for the

lecture ahead of time. • Write down all the key headings of the chapter

and leave significant space between them for notes.

• Easy to compare notes from the book to notes in class.

• Bring notes from reading and make annotations in margins

Cornell Method • What we are currently doing • Recall column • Useful for studying • The summarizations in the recall column are often

what would be information in the headings of an outline.

Outline format • Headings and subheadings • Try to follow instructor's outline • ADD in details, definitions, examples, applications

and explanations. • Easily translatable to notecards- with headings on

the front and material on the back• Can be difficult in non-lecture classes

Paragraph format • Listen to the lecture, write summary paragraphs

in your words• Add in definitions or anything that needs to be

word for word • Free flowing format• Flow charts and diagrams

List Format • Similar to outline• No letters or numbers, just bullet points and

indentations • Can be used in conjunction with Cornell

Math and Science courses• Write down all worked problems, including steps • Write down equations, formulas, diagrams, charts,

graphs, and definitions. • Notes in pencil or erasable pen

Using Technology to Take Notes • Word-can highlight, bold or underline. Change font

size and color, insert text boxes, charts, comments. Cut and paste from slides or materials. Create folders for each class

• Excel for math, economics, accounting-use of formulas and calculations.

• PowerPoint-every time instructor changes topics, can open new slide. Add notes directly to instructors PowerPoint.

• Can add in diagrams, and other visuals. • Easier to red. • Can also translate written lecture notes into

technology after class

How to beat the Forgetting Curve • Bloom’s taxonomy • After class, write down main ideas from memory. • Fill in details as quickly as you can • Recite ideas out loud! Tell someone else what you

learned• Review notes from previous class right before

lecture