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Study Skill #3 - Notice and Note the Necessities

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When you’re sitting in class and listening effectively, you may understand everything that is being said and feel that you have a very comprehensive grasp of all of it. However, three weeks later, when studying for the test, you may not remember those same things that were discussed in class. This is why note-taking is so crucial to effective study skills. A capable student must be able to identify what is important and write down those things in a way that will jog their memory later.

Good note-taking happens in three stages – getting ready to take notes, taking them, and evaluating them. Before class, when you are getting ready to take notes, review the notes from the previous class period so that you will be able to continue the notes where you left off, and bring plenty of paper, pens, etc. with you. Next, work to take complete – but quick – notes. Since you cannot write down everything the teacher says, listen carefully for phrases like, “The most important…” Write in shorthand, using abbreviations, but be sure to use complete thoughts not just key words. (Otherwise, you may not be able to understand your own notes later.) If you write down information but don’t really understand the concept, write a question mark next to it, so that you can ask a question about it. Finally, when class is over, rewrite your notes, making them more complete (do this before you forget the details!). Include the answers to the questions you had in class, and get any information that you missed from other students. With this method, when the time comes to study your notes, you can be certain that they are complete and accurate.

Next Page: Study Skill #4 - Prepare the Proper Place

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