Good Note Taking Keep all your homework notes

Good Note Taking!

Keep all your homework notes and supplies in one place. n There is nothing that wastes more time then having to look all over for something as simple as a calculator or graphing paper. n For every item that you misplace by not keeping it in the exact same spot every time, you’ll lose 10 minutes at the least!

What is the Purpose of Note Taking? n Note-taking gives your mind a chance to absorb the material it needs to learn. n It will help you do better on tests. n It will boost your confidence when you're studying. n You will find yourself saying, "Hey, I remember that!"

Note Taking Tips! n Write down key facts. – If you have a teacher who writes notes on the board, copy them! – If not, write down the most important points from class. § Does your social studies teacher mention the date of a key battle? Does your English teacher give examples of similes? Does your math teacher go over a particular multiplication rule? Write it down!

Note Taking Tips! n Don't overdo it! – Don't go crazy taking notes! Don't try to write every word. – Writing down a few key points, and then going over the material after class when you have more time.

Note Taking Tips! n Ask! – Don't be afraid to ask the teacher to repeat something you miss. – If the teacher is going too fast, chances are your classmates will also be relieved to hear the information again. – If you don't want to ask in class, see your teacher afterwards. It's much easier than wondering if you got the notes right as you study.

Note Taking Tips! n Compare! – Keep your notes handy when you're doing your reading assignments and homework. Compare what you wrote with what the readings say - you may even want to add to your notes as you read. – Going over your notes with a friend and comparing what the two of wrote can help reinforce what you are learning. It also can help you remember information when it's time to write the test. Going over your notes will alert both of you to any errors.

Note Taking Tips! n Copy! – Depending on how neat your handwriting is, you may want to recopy your notes when you get home. If you've taken notes in a hurry, you're more likely to figure out an unreadable word or sentence on the day of the lesson than you are 4 weeks later when you look back over your notes in preparation for a test.

Note Taking Tips! n Organize! – Keep notes for each subject in one place so you can find everything easily when it comes time for a test. That may mean keeping one notebook or section of a binder for each subject as you take notes in class.

How do I Know When Something is Important? n When the teacher is at the front of the room, emphasizing the information in a raised voice. n The teacher repeats something several times, or writes it on the board. n The teacher uses key phrases like, – – "The most important thing. . . , " "The causes leading up to. . . , " "Pay special attention to this. . . , " or "There are four important points that I'll make about. . . "

Other Tips! n Use your own form of shorthand, including abbreviations, symbols, diagrams and drawings. n Try to make connections between your own experience and knowledge what the teacher is saying. n Look for a structure in your teacher’s lecture. If he or she says there were three main issues, look for those three issues to be clearly defined, and listen for details about each one. n Try to review your notes as soon as you can after class, mark the most important points, and do a little reorganization if you need to, for instance drawing an arrow from a topic that belongs in a different spot than where you have it written.

References n http: //www. homeworkandstudyskills. com/takingnotes. html n http: //kidshealth. org/teen/school_jobs/school/take_notes. html