Chapter 6: being engaged in learning: listening, taking notes, and participating in class

• "before class" tips: do assigned readings, pay attention to syllabus, make use of additional materials, get organized
• Using senses in learning process:

aural- listening
visual- seeing
interactive- discuss w others
tactile- touch
kinesthetic- motion, hands on
olfactory- taste/smell

• active learning: participation, listen critically, discuss what you're learning, write about it

• listening critically & w an open mind:

be ready for message
listen to main concepts & central ideas, not just fragmented facts & figures
listen for new ideas
repeat mentally (to retain)
decide whether what you heard is important or not (if not, let it go)
keep an open mind
ask questions
sort, organize, & categorize

• take a seat close to the front
• keep eyes on instructor
• focus on lecture
• raise your hand when you don't understand 
• speak up in class
• never feel like you're asking a stupid question
• when instructor calls on you to answer, don't bluff
• if you recently read a book that is relevant to class topic, bring it in
• Taking effective notes: cover all important points w/o being too detailed
• group discussions are popular bc involves active learning
• quantitative classes: courses that build on each other
• technical terms: exact meanings, can't be paraphrased

• Note-taking formats:

Mind Map:
-diagram to visually organize info
-created around a concept
-add images, words, etc.
-ideas branch from each other
Graphic Organizer:
-uses visual symbols
-express concepts, thoughts, ideas, & relationships between them
-have main idea & details stemming from that
3-column notes:
-1st column: main ideas
-2nd column: details
-3rd column: observations/thoughts/questions
Cornell:
-left column for main ideas
-right column for notes & details
-summary at bottom/end
Outline:
-key ideas represented by roman numerals
-related ideas represented by uppercase letters/numbers/lowercase letters
-add details, definitions, examples, applications, explanations
Paragraph:
-summary paragraphs
-helps to write essays
-main idea in first line (topic sentence)
List:
-terms, definitions, facts, & sequences
-bullets

• Note-taking techniques:

1. identify main ideas
2. don't try to write down everything
3. don't be thrown by a disorganized lecturer
4. keep notes & supplementary materials for each course in separate folders/binders
5. download any notes, outlines, diagrams, charts, graphs, & other visualse
6. organize notes chronologically 
7. label handouts & put them in binders/folders

• supplemental instruction: classes that provide further opportunity to discuss the info presented in lectures
• read textbook!!
• use abbreviations
• write down equations, formulas, diagrams, charts, graphs, definitions
• technology to write notes?? laptop, recording, pictures
• forgetting curve: most forgetting happens w/in 24 hours
• as soon as possible, review notes
• recite important info to yourself
• compare notes
• predict exam questions

• being engaged in learning:

work w others
improve your critical thinking, listening, writing, & speaking skills
function independently & teach yourself
manage your time
gain sensitivity to cultural differences

• Programs:

-Word: good for taking notes in most classes
-Excel: good for economics & accounting
-Powerpoint: good for visual learners