How to Study & Take Notes

Proper preparation for study is as important as the actual process of studying.

One of the first things you need to do is to sit down with your parents and decide when the best time for you to study each day would be. And, then, make sure you study at the same time each evening, five days a week. These evenings are Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. You get Fridays and Saturdays off! It is very important that you study at the same place and same time every evening.

Next, you should find a good place to do your studying. A desk is ideal, but any flat, sturdy table will work. Be sure to secure good lighting for your work space, a moderately comfortable chair and a clock.

Use the clock to help you manage your time. You don't want to spend all your time on one subject. You should take a break for every hour you study. Hopefully, you won't need to study more than an hour. It is advisable to spend at least an hour each night.

Gather Proper Supplies

Just as a carpenter can't work without his hammer and other tools, a student cannot work without his proper tools. So, before you begin to study, make sure you collect all the things you will need.

Some of the items you will need are your assignment notebook, textbooks, paper, writing instruments, and your notes from class.

Other items that you might need are eraser, pencil sharpener, notebooks, dictionary, thesaurus,
eye glasses, eye glass cleaning supplies, markers, poster board, Liquid Paper, ruler, stapler, staples, paper clips, file folders, index cards, post it notes, calculator,and a wastebasket. If you don't have drawers, use gallon size baggies to put the smaller items in.

Before you sit down to study, get a drink of water and go to the bathroom. If a football player had to return to the dressing room every play to get something he needed or to go to the bathroom, not much playing would get done. Studying is the same.

Have a Game Plan

A successful game plan will increase your chances of successful studying. Your plan should include:
1. Study at the same time and same place everyday.
2. Begin studying immediately when you sit down.
3. Don't be disrupted for the phone or anything else.
4. Do the subject you dislike the most or dread to tackle first and save the things you like until the end. This is what I call the WORST FIRST RULE. This is a good rule for you to learn and practice in your life every day! It can almost guarantee you a great day every day.


Taking Notes in Class Gives One an Important Edge

Taking notes in class is an excellent study tool. Not only does it provide you with a record of what went on in class, but it will help you keep focused and to pay better attention.

To take notes one must decide on a system to use. Most people like to use a modified outline form.

Next, decide on some abbreviations for common words. Some examples might be & for and, w/ for with, w/o for without rd. for read, ? for question, $ for money, # for number, @ for at, etc.

As soon as you get to class get your notetaking tools out and be ready to go.

Now you are ready to take those notes. Taking notes is the best way in the world to stay focused on the class. And, by taking notes, you will stay better focused.

What Do I Write Down?

You are looking for the main ideas and important information.

Many students worry that they won't know what is important and what is not. There are two facts to remember here. First, anything the teacher writes on the board is important and should be included in your notes. Secondly, listen for key phrases from the teacher. These phrases might include "in conclusion...", "to summerize...", " the most important.......", "remember,...", etc. Anything the teacher repeats is worth writing down. In addition, watch for numerical or alphabetical lists. They are usually important.

How to Use Your Notes

What should you do with your notes after class? I have found that I was benefited most by re-writing my notes on the computer in an organized fashion within 24 hours . That way I could look up anything I needed to include but didn't quite get in my text. I could also leave out anything that I decided wasn't very important. This method helps you remember things because you are going over it again and refreshing your memory.

Take a few minutes when you return to class to look over your notes and recall what was covered in the last class period. This will prepare you for moving on to information that builds on the last lesson.

Notes can be most helpful in studying for those tests! In order to make your notes more meaningful for you, you might try highlighting those things you don't want to forget.