Study Guides/Tools

How you can learn to study, take notes, and develop skills for life regarding learning.

NOTES and STUDYING FROM THEM and UNDERSTANDING THEM

THE BASICS 

  • Make clear and accurate notes
    Make sure to take legible and accurate notes so you can concentrate on specific topics that are most relevant. (Legible- clearly written, not sloppy)

  • Come to class prepared
    Students properly prepared for class usually take better notes than those who come unprepared. Proper preparation includes completing assigned reading prior to class and reviewing notes from previous lectures.

  • Compare your notes
    To ensure your notes are as accurate and detailed as possible, compare them with the notes of other students after class is over. What if you missed something?

  • Minimize distractions
    Effective note takers avoid classroom distractions. This can include sitting in spots with fewer distractions.

  • Organize your notes
    Notes organized by date, class, and subject make it easier to locate specific lecture details. It is also a good idea to keep information from different dates and classes separated or to begin each class with a new piece of paper. A good format for organizing your notes is the Cornell System for Taking Notes. (I AM INCLUDING)

  • Use abbreviations and symbols
    Since teachers usually cover a lot of information during each class it can be hard to write down everything important they say. Use a system of abbreviations to help speed your note-taking capabilities.

  • Write clearly
    it is important to use good penmanship when taking notes. It is also recommended that you leave space in margins and near key concepts in your notepad, so you can add important details relating to previous lecture topics that are addressed during future lectures.

  • Review your notes
    In order to retain information discussed during teacher lectures, review your notes as soon as you can. This will help you better understand the lecture, your notes, and it will enable you to focus on what you just learned for long-term retention. You should review your notes a second time just before your next class. This will help refresh in your mind important topics and concepts and prepare you for the next lecture. You should continue to review your notes on a regular basis between your lectures and your exams.

  • Write down questions
    No matter how smart you are, it is a good idea to write down questions to ask after class, or during subsequent classes. You can also answer your own questions through Googling, tutoring, or other students

Study Guides (A Start)

Folks, I know that everyone learns differently. We know that these are not the end all and be all of the study-guides and note-taking lessons.  What we can tell you is this, IF you are not studying now, then you have nothing to lose by trying and applying what we have provided for you.  Every student should give themselves the best opportunity to be the best student they can be.  Parents, your children have amazing potential, help them reach it by helping them study and learn with them. Please check the following guides out and modify them to fit YOUR NEEDS.  (IF you have any suggestions or questions. Contact us at the school, we are here to serve.