Strategies from university resource centers

Reading strategies for difficult material

n Choose a moderate amount of material or a chapter to begin n Look at how the material is organized n Read the summary at the end n Read first what you do understand; mark what you don’t understand for later review

n As you read, ask yourself questions about what you have just read n Look up words you don’t know n Read to the end of the selection; don’t get discouraged and stop reading n Organize your notes by connecting ideas that you have read

n Divide reading passages into small sections n Re-read the sections you don’t understand

Specific Reading Strategies n Read the following websites to get a better idea of the P-R-R and SQ3R reading strategies:

Questions for Review: n What should you do before you read the selection? n What should you do while you are reading the selection? n What should you do right after you have read the selection? n What should you do the days after you have read the selection?

Note Taking Strategies

Why take lecture notes? n Research has found that information that is written down has a 34% chance of being remembered; information not written down has a 5% chance of being remembered.

What should be in my notes? n Your notes should be a concise but complete outline of the most important points made in the lecture n There are ways to prepare yourself for good note taking!

Before the lecture n Read or skim the text before the lecture. That way, you will know what is important in the lecture. By reading ahead of time, you won’t have to take extensive notes. You can write down only what your instructor emphasizes as being important.

Before the lecture n Identify unfamiliar terms or concepts in the text you have read. n Identify material that is difficult or unclear. That way, you can pay careful attention to parts of the lecture that will clarify those points.

During the lecture n Start each lecture on a new page and write on only one side of the paper. n Date all of your lectures. n Consider using loose-leaf paper and inserting handouts, extra notes, etc. where they most logically go within the lecture notes.

During the lecture n Develop and use standard symbols for quicker note taking (ex.: & (and), # (number), ! (remember this), etc.) n Designate major and minor points n If your instructors refers to specific pages, turn to those pages and mark the text. Also, record the pages in your notes.

During the lecture n If your instructors uses analogies that clarify examples in your text, record those analogies in your notes. n If your instructors elaborates by asking questions, record those questions in your notes. If he/she doesn’t give the answers, try to find them after the lecture.

During the lecture n Make notes of unclear words or content. After the lecture you can check with the text for clarification. n Record diagrams, illustrations, and examples given by your instructor.

The Cornell System Draw a vertical line 2.5 inches from the left side of each sheet. Write the page number, date, and course number at the top of each sheet.

The Cornell System Record notes on the right-hand side of the page. Try to capture the main points of the lecture. Do not be concerned with developing an elaborate formal outline using Roman numerals, capital letters, and the like. Indicate subtopics under main headings with numbers or simply with a dash placed in front of each new point.

The Cornell System Leave sufficient space to add information or reorganize points without rewriting your notes. Try to anticipate which areas--lists of examples, for instance--will expand during the lecture.

Additional styles of notes n Informal outline n Formal outline n Key words system n I-Not Page System n Mapping or clustering n For additional strategies: english/ntstrat.htm english/ntstrat.htm

Instructor clues of important material during a lecture n Previews and summaries n Visual aids n Repetition or vocal emphasis n Questions asked of the class n Word clues

After the lecture n Review your notes!!!! With only one exposure to information, most information is lost within the first 24 hours.

After the lecture n Fill in further facts and examples while the lecture is still fresh in your mind. Clear up confusing information. n Summarize the information in your own words.

Questions for Review n What should you do before the lecture? n How should you design your notes? n What type of information should you record in your notes?

Questions for Review n What should you do after the lecture? n How do you know what to emphasize in your notes? n What are two note taking styles?

Effective Habits for Effective Study n Take responsibility for yourself n Set priorities for yourself n Learn where and when you are most effective in your studying n If you don’t understand the material, don’t just re-read. Try some other way to learn the material!!!

Effective Habits for Effective Study n Set a positive mood for you to study in. n Mark any information you don’t understand and review that. n Summarize the information in your own words. n Go back to what you didn’t understand and reconsider the information.

Effective Habits for Effective Study Review, Review, Review!!!!!!

College Recommendations for Test Study Times n Many universities suggest that you study 1-2 hours outside of class for every hour you spend in class. For instance, if you are in class three hours per week, you should study 3-6 hours for that class per week.

Final learning assignment n Log on to the following website and read two articles that are interesting to you. Summarize the information in those articles.

Resources All information taken from the following sources: