I'm a College Freshman and im not sure how to study or take notes efficiently?

Answer 1

Before: Read the required readings for the class. Note any itemized lists or definitions. Usually anything in bold is important. This will help you have a heads up as to the topic for the class.

During lecture: Usually profs and teachers will pause or give hints when they are about to mention something worth writing down. If I use abbreviations, I will make a quick legend in the margin. Sometimes profs will drop hints about exam questions. I write these at the top of the page with a star and write "possible exam question" -- when I get home, I use my highlighter for these. One of my profs showed us a video on note-taking. The rule of thumb is that a one hour lecture, should produce 3 pages of notes (one-sided)

After: Review. Close to exam time, go through the notes and see if you can condense them. Write out the possible exam questions. Get exam outline from prof and prepare your own test. I read the material and ask myself -- "how might they ask me a question about this?" Then I write out the answer. I found that the majority of the time, I managed to get this right. I used this system through my undergrad program, masters, and teacher's college. I usually would spend about 1 hour preparing my notes, and maybe 2-3 more reviewing and writing my test. Most of my classmates would average 10-20 hours studying for tests, and I usually scored higher.

Answer 2

You - in that picture - are a college freshman?
School started in August/September of last year, and you're just now asking for help in studying and taking notes?
Go to the library and check out some books on this subject. And you'd better hurry up - your grandchildren are gaining on you!

Answer 3

I took a class on how to study efficiently during college. I was told to condense notes because you have to SIMPLIFY things in order for the mind to compute more effectively. For example, if you're taking notes from your textbook, write down phrases rather than the whole sentence.

For example: if your textbook reads: "The kidney functions as the body's main excretory organ, eliminating the body's metabolic waste products. The major waste product of protein metabolism is urea of which about 25-30g is produced and excreted daily." If you want to highlight this portion of the textbook as an emphasis, you may but also if you are taking notes on this paragraph, it's best if you don't write the whole paragraph out but rather SIMPLIFY it. Here's an example: Kidney function --> excrete waste --> urea -->25-30g. Your brain will more likely to recall a few simple words rather than a paragraph.

Also, remember to use mnemonics which are used to help in memorization by using a poem-type techinque. For example, if you want to recall the blood flow path in the heart through each valve (tricuspid, pulmonic, mitral, atrial valves) then you can use the mnemonic: Toilet Paper My Asset. You utilize the first letter of each word to create a phrase your mind will remember.

The point is, you have to know how the mind operates. Since we only utilize 10% of the brain, we really have to simplify the wordiness of a textbook because I highly doubt any of us can remember a whole textbook.

Oh also, take a recorder to class if you like to record the instructors lecture for later note taking. It also helps if you know short-hand. Sometimes, people can type faster than they can write and some chooses to take a lap-top to class. Good luck!!

Answer 4

lol ok :P i seriously think ur joking but! my answer is, grab a pen and a piece of paper out, read over ur work, write down everythink u remember, then take out the important bits!

easy as 1,2,3 x]

Answer 5

Its THIS easy:

-Go to the dollar store, get a notebook & pens, write important stuff your professor talks about.

-Get a laptop, open word, type away.

Not that hard.. but I don't get how you got to college without this knowledge?

Answer 6

Take a couseling class, which is always available in college.

Answer 7

You're a real funny guy you know that and i like your picture too by the way

Answer 8

Seriously, how did you make it to college?

Answer 9

DEJS

fold the paper into thirds
_______________
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|____|__________|

terms go on the little side [ or questions]
summary [or answers] go on the other side.

Answer 10

wait.. how'd you get into college?