How to Study

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How to Study
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You may certainly choose to abbreviate less and write a little more.
Whatever system you develop, just make sure it serves the right
purpose: giving you the time to really listen to your instructors, rather
than just furiously scribbling down what they say.
The Cornell System
Here’s a well-known note-taking system many college students are
taught. If it works for you, use it.
Start by drawing a vertical line two to three inches from the left side
of your notebook paper. Take notes to the right of this line.
During the lecture: Take notes as you normally would—in paragraph
form, outline, or using your own shorthand.
After the lecture: Reread your notes and reduce them to the key
words that will help you recall the important points of the lecture.
Write those key words and phrases in the left-hand column. As you
get better at this, you will find that reviewing for a test will only
require studying the left-hand column—short and concise—not the
right.
Draw Your Way to Good Grades
The one problem with this whole note-taking system I’ve discussed
is that many people find it more difficult to remember words 
rather than pictures, especially those who, on the “My Ideal Study
Environment” chart in Chapter 2, claimed they received information
best visually rather than orally.
Mapping is another way to take notes that stresses a more visual
style—drawing or diagramming your notes rather than just writing
them down.
Chapter 5
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How to Excel in Class
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Let me show you how to map the first few pages of this chapter as
an example. Start with a clean sheet of paper and, boxed or circled
in the center, write the main topic.
After deciding on the first major topic (“Utilizing skills depends on
class format”) and placing it on your map, add the detail:
Lectures (emphases: listening, note taking)
Discussions (emphases: asking/answering, analyzing, discussing)
Combination (emphases: as above)
Hands-on (emphasis: development/application of pertinent skills)
The second major topic (“Know your teacher”) and those that
follow take their place in the line or circle you’ve chosen in the 
direction you’ve chosen. I’ve completed a map containing four 
major topics on the following page.