Study Tips Part 1: Take Better Notes
This blog is never meant to replace a classroom or your textbook, but simply to help you find the information you need more quickly, already organized into a study-like guide. But how do you know what parts of the site are important? This is where your notes come into play. While this blog is dedicated to music history, I think these tips are useful for any student in any degree.
Every professor has a different focus in her or his class and each history class will highlight different musical concepts, composers, and historical events. If you do not know what’s going on in your class you will probably have a hard time knowing what to study. The best way you can do that is learn to take better notes.
Here are some quick and dirty tips on how to take better notes.
1. Show up to class
The first tip may seem obvious but let me say it anyway. You need to show up to class. I know you are no longer in high school which means no one will call your mom and tell her you didn’t show up, but you still need to go. Beyond the fact that you are probably paying good money (now or when you pay off those loans) for the privilege to attend class, it will ultimately help you do better in the course. It doesn’t matter if your professor is a very dull lecturer and only covers the reading, hearing the material again will store the information in your mind again. Not only will you have read it, you will have heard it, and have taken notes to review later. BUT you simply cannot review notes if you were not there to take them. Go to class.
2. Do the reading
Before you show up for class you need to do the reading. Don’t simply skim it while you are waiting for class to start or when you are on the bus to campus. Sit down the night before with a pencil and a piece of paper. While reading the chapter, write down any important names, concepts, or composers so that you will be able to participate (and get those sweet participation points!) during class. Also make sure you write down anything that might be unclear. Most professors begin class by asking if there are any questions. This is not rhetorical and their hearts sink when no hands raise. No hands does not mean everyone is a genius who understood the reading the first time through. It means no one did the reading.
A good game to play while you are reading is to try and guess which parts the professor is going to highlight during class. Then you can check it against the lecture the next day. If you have a set of notes from the night before you can then highlight the parts covered in class so you know what was most important.
3. Get key points
Often a lecture is trying to highlight a few main points. I generally try to include three or four main points in a 50 minute lecture. As you listen try to note if your prof says something is especially important or there is a hierarchy in the powerpoint. Then write down as many details as you can. This is a good time to develop a shorthand. It’s also smart to give yourself notes on what to look up later. Example: if your teacher mentions covers Felix Mendelssohn in class and mentions that his sister, Fanny was also a composer, you may want to check and see if the Harmonious Historian has profiles on either of the composers (hint: she will soon).
4. Eliminate distractions
I know this may sound extreme but I recommend taking notes on paper. This way you will not only build a kinesthetic relationship to your notes, but you also won’t be tempted by facebook, twitter, g-chat, etc. Even when I use my computer in class or during a meeting I can’t help but click on the little envelope if I notice I have an email. It’s best just to take away the option. Plus, you have a great opportunity to reinforce what you learned when you get home. Before you read for the next day pull out your notes and type them up. You’ll learn quickly what worked in the note taking process and what didn’t. Plus it’s much easier to decipher a poorly written note the same day than four weeks later when it’s time to study. After this step you’ve reviewed the information four times: reading the chapter, listening to the lecture, reading your notes, and typing up your notes.
5. Beware the powerpoint trap
Profs often use powerpoints because students ask for them. Students ask for them so that they won’t have to stress about writing down the right information. In the long run what happens is students stop listening to the professor because they are busy scribbling down what was on the powerpoint and then scream “Wait!” when the slide changes. The professor finally relents and puts the powerpoint online. Then students stop taking notes altogether and start g-chatting again.
Powerpoints are ok as a guide but it is really easy to be distracted by a powerpoint, especially one with too much text. This is where the prep notes from the night before can help. You won’t need to write down every composer’s name and dates, you can simply check, star, or highlight it in your reading notes so you’ll remember to go over it that night. Then you can supplement that information with whatever additional points the professor shares with you. Honestly, that’s usually where the magic happens anyway.
6. Show your notes to your professor
You know those things called office hours? Those things you show up to when you have a paper due the next day? Well, they happen every week for a reason. During the first three weeks try to stop by your professor’s office hour twice and show her/him your notes. It may be unconventional but it is a great way to make sure you are taking notes on the right stuff. Ask her or him to read your notes and ask whether you got the main points (at this point you’ll be glad you typed it up after class). More than likely your professor will be grateful because they will get a glimpse of whether their communicating their main points effectively.
What about you? What are your favorite ways to take notes?