STUDY METHOD & NOTE-TAKING METHOD

Adopted from & Adapted: Coon, D., (1988). The psychology of studying. Essentials of Psychology: Exploration and Application, (4th ed.) (xxxv-xli). New York: West Publishing Co.

Study Method and Note-Taking Method Handout on reserve in Divisional Library and in Main Library (Also includes Test-Taking Strategies)

I. Unit General Content: (Study and Note-Taking Handout):

Study Method: Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review (SQ3R)

Note-Taking Method: Lead, Ideas, Signal Words, Active Listening, Notes (LISAN)

The following includes the basic processes involved with an efficient and effective study skills model [SQ3R] and note-taking method [LISAN].

II. SQ3R Specific Content (Learning Outcomes):

1. Rationale for a developing and utilizing a study method and note-taking--efficiency and effectiveness (using least amount of resources, such as time, to gain greatest effect) with reading assignments, lecture notes, exam review, etc.

RULES:Quiet place of study (remove all known distracters, TV, Stereo, other noise)

Specific place of study (treat it like a place for a daily ritual)

Study in small time segments (10 min., 15 min., etc., whatever works for you)

After each segment, reward yourself (break, snack, daydream, etc.) 4-5min.

Be RIGID with each rule, once you have set place & times you can live with

Method seems awkward at first, yet if used every day in every class, becomes second nature after about a week

2. First Step involved with study method (SQ3R)--Survey: overview assignment and break it down into units by headings and subheadings, general outline

3. Second Step--Question: form questions by turning headings, bold print, subheadings into questions (Write your questions on a blank sheet of paper)

4. Third Step--Read: read in short bites (e.g., 2 - 3 or 4 pages, may be 15-20 minute bites) and as you read, attempt to answer questions (if material very difficult, read smaller bites)

5. Fourth Step--Recite: try to answer your questions at the end of each bite (unit), or try to summarize the main points (Answer your questions on a blank sheet of paper, or in your head, but do not write answers on questions page because you will be using it again as you review at the end and when you review for exam

NOTE: Do not move to next bite until able to answer questions without looking at reading or lecture notes--once you can answer, then you have learned the content, no more cramming for exam

NOTE: Repeat the question-read-recite cycle until the assignment is completed, that is, do another 3 or 4 pages (15, 20, 30 min. bite or whatever works for you) then break (4-5 min.); then another bite and break and continue this until you complete the entire assignment

6. Fifth Step--Review: once you have completed the assignment with question-read-recite, then try to answer all the questions you have formed without looking at notes.

III. LISAN Specific Content (Learning Outcomes)

1. First Step of note-taking--Lead: try to anticipate what instructor is going to say, use reading assignment questions to help guide you

NOTE: By reading the assignments beforehand, leading and the following steps come very easy

2. Second Step--Ideas: main points, such as, terms, concepts, principles, theories; may be followed by examples, illustrations, explanations.

NOTE: Frequently ask yourself, what is the main idea/point, supporting idea, etc.

Do not get caught-up in the illustrations, examples, etc.; these are used to enhance your learning

3. Third Step--Signal Words: Attend to words that tell you when some important is coming, such as, the instructor says "three reasons, most important, remember this, on the contrary, therefore," etc.

4. Fourth Step--Actively Listen: Attend to the instructor as if it were a one-on-one conversation, anticipate as if you were going to respond to instructor with a question or comment

5. Fifth Step--Note Writing: Decide on a format, such as, traditional outline with roman numeral I., A., 1. or the inverted T format by writing an inverted T on your page and putting the term, concept, etc. on the left side of the line and it's definition on the right side of the line

NOTE: Do not try to write everything the instructor says, fill-in gaps as you study your notes later that day or the next day.