LEARNING METHODS

LEARNING METHODS Listening, Note Taking, and Textbooks

ACTIVE LISTENING • Come ready to listen • Avoid distraction • Focus on main ideas Learning Methods

ACTIVE LISTENINGBe Ready to Listen • Get enough sleep – before you come to class • Don’t come hungry • Sit in a seat conducive to listening • Look for the message Learning Methods

ACTIVE LISTENINGAvoid Distraction • Don’t sit near those you will be tempted to talk to • Turn off and put away mobile phones and iPods • Do not sit near the entrance to the classroom Learning Methods

ACTIVE LISTENINGFocus on Main Ideas • Listen for the primary points • Identify examples and comparisons in your mind • Ask for clarification when needed Learning Methods

ACTIVE LISTENINGBody Language • Many people are easier to “read” than they think. • Professors know if you are listening. General Rule: Just attending is not enough Learning Methods

ACTIVE LISTENINGBody Language Bad Signals: • Slumping • Eye rolls • Sighing • Texting • Laptop activities not related to class • Glances to door or watch • Packing up prior to completion Learning Methods

NOTE TAKING Note taking myths: • Note taking distracts you from the message. • There is one best way to take notes. • Getting someone else’s notes is a substitute for not coming to class. Learning Methods

NOTE TAKINGPreparing for Note Taking • Decide on a medium and style prior to the semester • Medium– laptop or notebook • Style – Cornell, Leonard, other • Read the assignment before class • Arrive early and take out notes prior to lecture • If material is quantitative bring a calculator • If lecture notes are provided on the web, take a copy of the notes to class Learning Methods

Instructor Provided Notes The instructor might provide notes for you through: • Handouts • Online MS PowerPoint or MS Word files • Note packets Warning: These are not a substitute for your own notes. Your notes should supplement instructor provided notes. Learning Methods

Printing Note Pages in PowerPoint Selecting “3” leaves note space. Designate handout, slides, or notes Grayscale will save color cartridge costs. Learning Methods

Printing Note Pages in PowerPoint Instructor supplied slides Your notes Learning Methods

NOTE TAKINGProcess of Note Taking • Utilize instructor provided notes (PowerPoints, etc.) • Record key ideas (rather than details) • Use color coding if helpful • Leave space between main ideas • Write legibly Learning Methods

NOTE TAKINGAfter Note Taking • Review your notes at least twice • Within 24 hours of lecture • Prior to examination • Reference textbook pages in your notes • Use white space to make additions when necessary Learning Methods

READING TEXTBOOKSInitial Issues • Some professors utilize texts more than others • It is difficult to assess whether “suggested” or “non-required” texts are useful • Resale market should not drive your purchase decision Learning Methods

READING TEXTBOOKSThe Process • Survey the chapter – note headings and diagrams • Develop questions as you survey • Begin reading (keeping your questions in mind) • Review Learning Methods

READING TEXTBOOKSMarking Texts • Underline or highlight main ideas • Note numbered or bulleted items (First, …) • Utilize brackets [] to “gather” longer passages • Make notes in the margin Learning Methods

READING TEXTBOOKSReviewing Making the Link to the: • Text- Relate the textbook to your lecture notes • Supplements- Check the supplementary material in • Ancillaries (such as review guides) • Internet resources • Professor– Ask if you have questions Learning Methods

LEARNING METHODS