AP Biology Note-taking Methods

Cornell Notes Outlining Charting Concept Mapping The One Pager SQ3R How do we attack a text book so that we maximize our understanding? Choose the Note-Taking Method that’s right for you Cornell Notes Outlining Charting Concept Mapping The One Pager SQ3R

I. Cornell Notes Questions/Cue Words/Main Ideas Note taking Column   Summarize main points with cue words. and/or Self-test by creating practice test questions. Physically draw a line down your paper with about 2 inches on the left and 6.5 on the right. Take notes on the right and write cue words, questions and main ideas on the left. Skip a line between topics, underline important words, use bullets or dashes. Test your knowledge once done by covering up the right side of the paper where your notes are and use the cue words on the left to remember as much info as possible. This is a simple and efficient way to record and review notes. Make sure you write a summary when done in the space below. Summary After class or after reading and taking notes, use this space at the bottom of each page to summarize the notes on that page.

II. Outlining Method Page #s:_______________ Source: __________________________ Class Topic: How To Outline Notes I. The first level is reserved for each new topic/idea and is very general. a. This concept must always apply to the level above it (I.) i. This concept must always apply to the level above it (a.) ii. A second supporting piece of information for the level above it (a.) but is equal to the previous information (i) iii. This information is a sister to (i) and (ii) b. This concept applies to the level above it (I.) and is a “sister” to (a.)  

III. Charting Method How? Advantages Disadvantages When to Use it? Set up your paper in columns and label appropriate headings. Helps pull out the most relevant information.   Can be a hard system to learn to use. If you’ll be tested on facts and relationships. The headings could be categories covered in the lecture. Also reduces the amount of writing necessary. You need to know the content covered before note taking. If content is heavy and presented quickly. Insert information (words, phrases, main ideas, etc) into the appropriate category. Provides easy review for memorizing facts and studying comparisons and relationships. If you want to get an overview of the whole course on one big pap

IV. Concept Mapping How does it work? Immediate knowledge towards understanding Maximizes active participation Emphasizes critical thinking Advantages? Disadvantages? Shows relationships Might not see changes in content from major points to facts Easy to edit and add connecting terminology May not get enough detail Visually track information

Draw a Diagram of Main Idea V. The One Pager Main Ideas: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6 Draw a Diagram of Main Idea Questions: 1. 2. 3. Summary:

VI. SQ3R-The Five Step Method 1. Survey: By surveying the chapter titles, introductory paragraphs, bold face, italicized headings, and summary paragraphs, you get an overview of the material. Surveying also gives enough information to generate individual purposes for reading the text. 2. Question: Purpose questions are often provided at the beginning of the chapter. It not, you can turn section headings into questions. The main objective is to have questions for which answers are expected to be found in the passage. 3. Read: You should to read to answer the purpose questions formulated in Step 2, Question. 4. Recite: You should try to answer questions without referring to the text or notes. This step helps in transferring information from short-term to long- term memory. 5. Review: Review the material by rereading parts of the text or notes. Verify answers given during Step 4, Recite. This helps retain information better and gives immediate feedback.