Here are some skills that will help you become more successful in class!
Take Notes:
- Taking notes helps you retain and refresh the information you are learning.
- Don't write down everything you read/hear.
- Write the subject, give definitions, outline topics/subtopics, and provide illustrations/charts if needed.
- Decide on organizational strategy and stick to it.
- When in a lecture listen for keywords, listen to changes in tone/volume, and look for written cues.
Read Critically:
- Decide on your purpose for reading.
- General overview, finding specific information, or preparing for an assignment.
- Locate the title, thesis, topic sentences, and source.
- Ask questions about the author's intent.
- Why did the author include specific information; why did they avoid certain points; why did the author choose a specific organizational structure, etc.
- Annotate the reading by underlining/highlighting or making notes in the margin.
- Summarize your readings and connect related ideas/principles.
