The learning process
Note-Taking
Note-taking can get overwhelming for me when I’m not organized, even though I usually have a good idea of what the lecture will be about. To avoid losing pages of notes or getting mixed up with other classes, I’m going to start using headers on my notes to stay organized. I’m also planning to try the Cornell Notes system, which will help me keep my notes structured and easy to review later. Since I’m a visual learner, using the “Mapping Main Ideas” template could be especially helpful for subjects like science, where visualizing concepts is key. My biggest challenge has been trying to write down everything instead of focusing on the main ideas, so these templates will help me filter out unnecessary information and stay focused on what’s important.
Studying
When it comes to studying, I have some strengths, like being able to concentrate well in a quiet environment and avoiding distractions like texts or social media. If I get restless, I like to change my environment by going to a coffee shop for a fresh perspective. I also make sure to take breaks, aiming for 10 minutes every hour to recharge. The one area where I need improvement is memory. I often find that while I can memorize material well, it doesn’t always stick in the long term. To fix this, I’m going to work on making the material more meaningful to me, though I’m still figuring out how to do this. I hope this will help me retain what I study better and make it easier to apply during tests.
Test Taking
I’m generally confident when taking tests, and I don’t struggle with test anxiety. However, if I haven’t slept well before an exam, it throws me off completely. Poor sleep has affected my test scores in the past, especially when I stay up too late cramming or watching one last episode of a show. To avoid this, I’m going to create a list of common reasons I stay up late and come up with ways to prevent them. By making a plan ahead of time, I hope to get better rest before exams and perform at my best when it really counts.
True, I agree that staying up late could affect your performance, thus you should not be staying up late at all. By the way before the test, you could also take a quick nap somewhere on campus or in your room for 10-20 minutes to refresh your brain even though you have sleep deprivation. Keep in mind, sleep is better than never sleeping, and small amounts will do.
ReplyDeleteExcellent point, Robert. It isn't all or nothing.
DeleteYour strategies for note-taking, studying, and test-taking are well thought out! Using the Cornell Notes system and mapping ideas will help with organization. Prioritizing sleep and making study material meaningful are great approaches for success!
ReplyDelete