THE CORE LEARNING SYSTEM Collect – experience or encounter new information or skills Organize - organize information so that it makes sense to you Rehearse - practice to strengthen neural networks and improve skills Evaluate - assess the effectiveness of your learning

Your goal: Collect key concepts, important ideas, and supporting details …not everything the instructor says! Key concepts = topics Supporting details = examples, evidence, explanations

BEFORE TAKING NOTES Assemble appropriate supplies. Complete reading assignments before class. Attend every class.

WHILE TAKING NOTES Listen actively for key concepts, important ideas, and supporting details. Ask and answer questions. Listen for verbal cues.

WHILE TAKING NOTES (cont’d) The point is … The following is very important … Let me repeat that … A third component is … Evidence for this includes … A good example is … This will be on the test.

WHILE TAKING NOTES (cont’d) Take notes with an outline.

WHILE TAKING NOTES (cont’d) Take notes with a concept map.

WHILE TAKING NOTES (cont’d) Use three-column notes for mathematics.

WHILE TAKING NOTES (cont’d) Speed up note-taking.

WHILE TAKING NOTES (cont’d) Ex (example) imp (important) # (number) 1st (first) w/ (with) nec (necessary) & (and) dept (department) → (leads to) = (equals) vs (versus) w/o (without) etc (and other things)

WHILE TAKING NOTES (cont’d) Record the class.

AFTER TAKING NOTES Polish your notes within twenty-four hours.

AFTER TAKING NOTES (cont’d) Make sure your notes are accurate, complete, and understandable. Expand on key words. Fill in spaces with missing information. Clarify unreadable words & confusing sentences. Delete unnecessary information. Revise drawings or charts. Correct steps in problem solving.

AFTER TAKING NOTES (cont’d) Compare notes.