Study SkillsSarah Jones

margaret-powers.com

Social Media

Twitter

@i_heart_science

YouTube

Sarah Jones

Instagram

@i.heart.science

Websites

I Heart Science

General Science Websites

I Heart Maths

General Maths Websites

General Maths iPad Apps

Note Taking During Class

Teachers use various strategies to indicate to students what is important. Being aware of these helps you identify the main ideas.

a) Introductions and conclusions

b) Beginnings and endings are vital. In the introduction, the lecturer outlines the important points, connects them with the previous and next lectures and puts the topic in context. The conclusion summarises the main points.

c) Linking expressions Listen for words and phrases that direct you to new and important ideas or show the relationships between the points being raised.

Addition words – also, too, in addition, another Emphasis words – importantly, specifically, especiallySequencing words – firstly, secondly, next, finally Contrast words – however, but, despite, on the other hand, conversely Illustration words – for example, to illustrate, that is Reason and result words – consequently, because, therefore, leads to Summary words – in conclusion, to sum up, in summary

The Cornell method is a useful method for taking notes.

When taking notes Cornell-style, use two columns:

– a review or key words column on the left

– the notes or details column on the right.

– Use point form to record information, ideas and your own thinking.

– Colour can help to highlight different points.

http://emedia.rmit.edu.au/learninglab/sites/emedia.rmit.edu.au.learninglab/files/notetaking_lecture.pdf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogHIyREqLd4

Note Taking From Reading

Good notes are purposeful, logical, brief and accurate. They are your record of your understanding of what you have read.

http://emedia.rmit.edu.au/learninglab/sites/emedia.rmit.edu.au.learninglab/files/notetaking_reading.pdf

sixteenandsuccessful.org

Good notes should have:

• key points and minor points

• source material i.e. relevant bibliographical details of a text

• highlighting techniques, graphics, colours, underlining to pick out main points

• white space, so that you can add to your notes later on

• abbreviations and symbols

Abbreviations can assist you to make notes quicker. The table below shows some commonly used abbreviations, but you should also develop your own for any frequently used vocabulary.

Sketchnotes

Brainstorming

Mind Mapping

alessiobernardelli.wordpress.com

mappio.commappio.com

ibrahimelsawy.wordpress.com

Research Skills• No matter what the resource or where it is,

subject-specific keyword lists can help you refine your search.

• When you're looking for information using search engines, online catalogues and databases, there are a few simple techniques that will help you find what you need:

• use ‘+’ to search for two or more words at a time

• don't include small words like ‘at’, ‘a’, ‘in’, ‘of’, ‘the’, etc.

• use quotation marks to search for an exact phrase, such as a title or a person's name use nouns instead of verbs

Specialised websites and databases can help to focus your research by looking at particular groups of resources instead of the entire web. They also limit your search by topic, media type or website format.

http://ergo.slv.vic.gov.au/learn-skills/research-skills/locate-information

Study Time Management

• Set weekly study times for each subject in a calendar/planner that is colour coded.

• Avoid distractions when studying – no phone, television etc.

• Yearly planner that includes assessment dates so adequate time can be allocated.

• Studying does not just mean homework completion – review and completion of notes.

https://storybird.com/aaronblecha/