Being Engaged in Learning: Being Engaged in Learning: Listening, Taking Notes, and Listening, Taking Notes, and

Participating in ClassParticipating in Class

Your TurnYour Turn

What kind of notes did you take in high school? Do you think you learned how to take good notes? Is the same method working for you now? Why or why not?

Using Your Senses in the Learning Using Your Senses in the Learning ProcessProcess

• How do you believe you learn most

effectively?

• Aural

• Visual

• Interactive

• Tactile

• Kinesthetic

• Olfactory

Preparing for ClassPreparing for Class

• Some classes are hard to follow and understand

• Prepare by listening, learning and remembering

before the lecture

• Will help in getting better grades

• Before-class tips:• Do the assigned reading

• Pay attention to your course syllabus

• Make use of additional materials

• Warm up for class

• Get organized

Participating in ClassParticipating in Class

• Listening critically and with an open mind

can help you

• get more out of what you hear

• understand better what you have heard

• save time

• Speak up

• Answers that are not quite correct and lead to

new perspectives on topics

• There is no such thing as a stupid question

Your TurnYour Turn

Is it hard or easy for you to raise your hand and ask questions in most of your classes? Why? How can you become more involved?

Taking Effective NotesTaking Effective Notes• Note-taking formats• Cornell

• Outline

• Paragraph

• List

• Note-taking techniques• Identify the main ideas

• Don’t try to write everything down

• Taking notes in non-lecture courses• Be ready to adapt note-taking methods to match the

situation

• Taking notes in science and mathematics courses• May differ from taking notes in other types of classes

• Using technology to take notes• Laptops, recorders

Your TurnYour Turn

Which of the four note-taking methods (Cornell, outline, paragraph, list) is most like the one you use? How well does your current system work for you? Explain your answer. What changes will you make in how you take your notes?

Reviewing Your NotesReviewing Your Notes

• The “Forgetting Curve”• Most forgetting takes place within the first 24 hours

• Comparing notes• Can help improve your own notes

• Class notes and homework• Good notes can help you complete homework

assignments

• Take 10 minutes to review your notes

• Do a warm-up for your homework

• Do any assigned problems and questions

• Persevere

• Complete your work

Your TurnYour Turn

What are your reactions to the suggestions about taking notes and studying for class? Which ideas will you implement in your note-taking strategies? Why? Do you think they have the potential to help you earn better grades? If so, in what way?

Become Engaged in Become Engaged in LearningLearning

• Engaged students not only learn the

material but also how to• Work with others

• Improve critical thinking, listening, writing, and

speaking skills

• Function independently and self-teach

• Manage time

• Gain sensitivity to cultural differences

• Need to devote time and energy both in

and out of class

Tech Tip: Take Notes Like a Tech Tip: Take Notes Like a Rock StarRock Star

• Using basic programs to sharpen your

note-taking skills set

• Word

• Great for taking notes in most classes

• Excel

• Good for economics and accounting courses

• PowerPoint

• Invaluable tool for visual learners