STUDY SKILLS

St. Jude School
Enrichment Program

TAKING NOTES IN CLASS

Requires a clear system
Very personal
Will change based on the material being covered
A skill like any other…will improve with practice

The Basics

BE PREPARED
Have your notebook open and pen in hand when class starts.

AVOID DISTRACTING CONDUCT!
Talking, moving, & cutting up is a distraction to you and others.

PARTICIPATE!
Be an active, constructive participant.

ASK QUESTIONS!
Your perspective may help others as well.

Pay Attention

Listen for what is emphasized.
Listen for words like, “to summarize” and “the main point is”
If it’s written on the board, you should write it down!
If the teacher repeats it, it’s important, write it down!
Be alert for information presented in a pattern (alphabetical or numerical) it’s probably something you’ll need to memorize.
Be Organized
Do NOT write down every word
Write down main ideas & concepts
Develop a method of abbreviation

Summarize

Be Neat
All the notes in the word won’t help if you can’t read them
Skip lines between topics
Leave room to add notes later
Write things down exactly like on the board
Only move forward in your notebook, never jump around
Definitions
Underline the word
Indent the definition so it pops out when studying

E.g.

Acute angle = Any angle that measures < 90°

After Class
Go over notes while still fresh in your mind
Modify anything that is incomplete or doesn't make sense
Highlight or underline important points
Reviewing notes 5-10 minutes each day saves a lot of studying later!
 

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