Lesson Two: 5 more suggestions to help you succeed.
2. If you do not use a free-flowing pen, have a mechanical pencil with a thicker than usual lead. Thanks again, TRR!
3. If you are taking notes from a PowerPoint presentation, label each section of notes with the same number as each slide you see. Only write extra things on each section that are NOT on the slide. Usually, you will be able to see these slides again online, because they are posted there.
Print out the PowerPoint presentation and keep these for studying too. You can write on the printouts in class. If your teacher has not posted the slides online, ask them to do that, and they probably will, because it will help the students and be worth their time. This suggestion is from Nicki - thanks, Nicki!
4. Sit in the front of the class, if possible. This helps you take good notes because you can see the black or whiteboard or presentation better, plus you can hear what the teacher is saying better. You will have fewer distractions because the students who are talking to each other are probably located closer to the back of the room. The teacher also will notice you more, which is usually a good thing.
5. Keep your notes for each class separate, without fail. You will appreciate this most right before a test. You will not have to sort through and organize your notes then, it will already be done. Plus they will be in correct order.
Also, make sure to put your notes inside your class folder each day after class. That way if you are using lined paper or paper without 3-ring holes, you can punch the notes and put them where they go without losing them in the bottom of your backpack or having them waft out of your book pile.
Have more suggestions? List them after this so I can share them with everyone. Thanks!
Here are some more links you may like:
The one right before this one:
How to Take Good Notes - Lesson One
And here are some other useful blog postings:
The Divided Page - using a 2-column note page
11 Tips for Student Success
10 Tips for Doing Well on Finals
Forming a Nontraditional (Student) Study Group
Got some more great note-taking ideas? List them below and I will repost this later with all of your ideas added. Thanks!
Some Nontrad links:
The Nontrad site and blog
Join Nontrads on Facebook
Nontrads on Yahoo
Nontrads on Twitter
