Instructors usually give clues to what is important to take down. Some of the more common clues are: A. Material written on the blackboard/whiteboard B. Repetition C. Emphasis 1. Emphasis can be judged by tone of voice and gesture. 2. Emphasis can be judged by the amount of time the instructor spends on points and the number of examples he or she uses. D. Word signals (e.g. "There are two points of view on... " "The third reason is... " " In conclusion... ") E. Summaries given at the end of class. F. Reviews given at the beginning of class.

Question Column --2 Inches-- After the lecture, ◦ write questions in this column for each main point in the record column. Record Column --6 Inches-- Record patterns of main idea and support  in your own words when possible. Use indentations  to show the relationships between main ideas and  support.

Write main ideas and supporting material in the right column – Use signals from the lecture  Titles & keywords= topics  main ideas  “Transition” words/phrases introduce details  First, most, some, this is called, there are two types ◦ Use abbreviations to get the full idea. ◦ Leave spaces between ideas so you can  fill in more later.  see how ideas relate to one another

Write questions in the left column of your notes to quiz yourself on the material. ◦ Write questions in the question column on the same line as the item the question addresses in the record column ◦ Write a question for each new  Topic  Main idea  Significant detail ◦ Write questions for details on which you think your professor will quiz you.

Answer your questions in the left column. ◦ Cover the Record Column. ◦ Read your questions in the Question Column ◦ Using your own words, answer your questions out loud. ◦ Uncover your notes and check what you have said against the facts. This will help transfer ideas to your long- term memory!

Review to improve your memory. ◦ If you spend 10 minutes every week or so in a quick review of your notes,  you will retain most of what you have studied  you won’t have to cram during an “all-nighter”  you will relate the facts and ideas to present lectures or readings.

 Keep a separate notebook or binder for each course.  Notes for each lecture should begin on a new page.  Date and number all pages.  Never use a sentence when you can use a phrase, or a phrase when you can use a word.

 Use indentations to distinguish between major and minor points.  Put most notes in your own words, except  formulas, definitions, and specific facts  Use abbreviations and symbols wherever possible.  If you completely don’t understand an idea,  leave a blank space and ask your professor for help on it.

 Develop a code system of note-marking to indicate questions, comments, important points …for example,  Mark unfamiliar vocabulary & unclear ideas in unique ways  Highlight vocabulary in pink.  Circle ideas that are still unclear  Make sure you can understand what you have written and if needed, make corrections.  Use drawings, arrows or other organizers to help you see concepts and relationships between them

 2. Cue or Question  (After Lecture)  write key words, phrases or questions that serve as cues for notes taken in class  cue phrases and questions should be in your own words  3. Recite  with classroom notes covered, read each key word or question  recite the fact or idea brought to mind by key word or question  1. Record (During Lecture)  write down facts and ideas in phrases  use abbreviations when possible  (After Lecture)  read through your notes  fill in blanks and make scribbles more legible  4. & 5. Reflect and Review  review your notes periodically by reciting  think about what you have learned

Curve of Forgetting

 Day 1 - by the end of the lecture you know 100% of the class material.  Day 2 - you will lose 50-80% of what you learned by not reviewing the material.  Day 7 - the percentage continues to drop  Day 30 – you have retained only about 2-3% of the original lecture.

Day 1 -Reviewing within 24 hours – raises the curve to 100% again. Day 2 – It takes only 10 minutes to keep the curve 100 %. Day 7 – It takes only 5 minutes to “reactivate” the same material. Day 30 – It will only take 2-4 minutes to access the information.

IF YOU DON’T REVIEW, YOU WILL NEED TO SPEND MINUTES RE-LEARNING EACH HOUR OF MATERIAL Motivation often begins to fade around midterms. Don’t get caught in the “feeling” trap. Focus on your actions which are under your control.