HOW SHOULD I STUDY?

STRATEGY #1�FLASH CARDS

Why Should I use flash cards?

• Cheap
• “Chunked” in small packs (Rule of 7-9 items) �and convenient study tool at bus stops,

on walks, in a line, etc.

• Use individually,

paired, or in a group

• Useful for a quick

review

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FLASH CARDS CONT.

How can I use flashcards to study?

• ...as a handy note-taking strategy
• ...as a matching game
• Increase the difficulty�by putting easy ones aside and focusing on the more difficult
• Instead of words, use pictures, illustrations, etc.
• Take advantage of alternate learning styles and use when�walking or pacing, talking out loud, etc.
• https://youtu.be/uQ84SYJmHYI

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Note Cards for a test

What should I include?

• Helps you remember Facts, Formulas, and Procedures
• Use Headings and highlight- examples Mechanics, Waves, and Electricity- this helps you find information quicker and organize your information.
• Make it neat
• Use drawings, shorthand, or abbreviations. Example- “Imp. events in Decl. Indep.- Stamp A, Bos.Mass, Bos.T.
• Start this at least 3 days before test. 1-2 days before get teacher approval.

STRATEGY #2 CORNELL NOTES

• Why should you take notes?
• You forgot almost half or what you read
• or hear within one hour.
• One way to capture what you read is to take notes
• No one way is correct but one style is Cornell Notes

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CORNELL NOTES CON’T

• Step 1: Prepare your paper
• A. Draw a line 2.5 inches from the left hand edge of the paper
• B. End this line 2 inches from the bottom of the paper
• Draw a line across the paper 2 inches above the bottom of the paper

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CORNELL NOTES CON’T

• Step 2: Write Notes
• Read the information in the book.
• Focus on reading sections then write down important information such as :

dates, bold face/key words, important people, significances or importance, locations, etc..

• Use shortened words

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CORNELL NOTES

• Step 3: Think and Reflect
• Reread your notes out loud
• Ask yourself questions about the notes: How important are these ideas, how does thi relate to what I already know
• Step 4: Summarize
• In the bottom sections, summarize each notes page. Think about the questions above and important details from the text.
• Step 5: Review notes each day. Short fast reviews will help more than “Cramming at the end

Let’s look at an example

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErSjc1PEGKE

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CONCEPT MAPS/VISUAL NOTETAKING

• When studying topics with numerous moving parts, it can become overwhelming to organize the information in your head.
• Using a form of concept mapping/mind mapping can help you organize and categorize information on a couple sheets of paper.
• These concept maps can create a visual image of material that could become helpful during test-taking.
• More compact and make associations easier
• Break down large projects or topics into manageable chunks

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Mind Maps are more compact than conventional notes, often taking up one side of paper. This helps you to make associations easily, and generate new ideas

EXAMPLES

MORE EXAMPLES

Introduction to Visual Note Taking

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gY9KdRfNN9w

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OUTLINES- WHY SHOULD I USE THIS METHOD

• • Highly structure, logically organized notes
• • Levels of information clear
• • Formal outlines show a skeleton of the printed information.
• • Use formal outlines to take notes before, during, or after reading.

OUTLINES- HOW TO SET UP

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• Write Chapter number and title at the top of the page
• Indent and align items to show levels of information.
• Use Roman numerals for main topics/headings.
• Use capital letters to label subheadings
• Use numerals and lowercase letters for supporting details.
• Use key words and short phrases throughout the outline.

OUTLINE EXAMPLES