Page 203 - Keys to College Success

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How Developed Are Your Note-Taking, Memory, and Studying Skills?

For each statement, fill in the number that best describes how often it applies to you.
1 = never 2 = seldom 3 = sometimes 4 = often 5 = always
1
CHAPTER 1. I believe that good preparation is essential for taking comprehensive notes. 1 2 3 4 5

2. I generally review notes within 24 hours of taking them.
3
2
1
5
4
3. I use different note-taking systems depending on my instructor’s teaching styles and the
material being taught. 1 2 3 4 5
4. I write, rewrite, and summarize information to remember it. 1 2 3 4 5
5. When I am studying, I focus on what I consider most important to remember. 1 2 3 4 5
6. I use flash cards and other active memory strategies to remember what I study. 1 2 3 4 5
7. I create mnemonic devices with images and associations as memory hooks. 1 2 3 4 5

8. I try to review material in several sessions over time rather than cram the night before a test. 1 2 3 4 5
9. I know how to combine class and text notes effectively to prepare for tests. 1 2 3 4 5
10. My study strategies work for me; after a test is over, I retain much of what I had to know. 1 2 3 4 5

Each of the topics in these statements is covered in this chapter. Note those statements for which you filled in a 3 or lower. Skim
the chapter to see where those topics appear, and pay special attention to them as you read, learn, and apply new strategies.
REMEMBER: NO MATTER HOW DEVELOPED YOUR NOTE-TAKING, MEMORY, AND STUDYING SKILLS ARE, YOU CAN IMPROVE WITH EFFORT
AND PRACTICE.

HOW CAN YOU
take useful notes?

Taking notes provides you with a record of what happened in class and generates
study materials. Note taking also builds critical thinking. Because it is virtually impos-
sible to write down every word of a lecture, you constantly evaluate what you hear as
you decide what is important enough to record. Finally, note taking makes you an
active class participant—even if you don’t say a word. This essential tool, frankly, can
make or break your academic success. Use the strategies outlined here to prepare, take
notes in class, and review notes.

Prepare to Take Notes

Showing up for class on time is just the start. Here’s more about preparing to take notes:

Preview your reading material. Reading assigned materials before class will pro-
vide context with which you can take effective notes, and is one of the most reward-
ing possible study strategies. Check your class syllabi daily for when assignments are
due, and plan your reading time with these deadlines in mind.

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