Unruled Notebook. Prezi. Study Tips. Boy oh boy....
I'm going to attempt to get all of my study tips from the past and present into this post. I've been getting emails/tweets/questions asking for my secrets. Before starting... there are a few "ground rules" I will lay out. I don't have tips on how to be more motivated. For me, there's a set, clear list of things I have to do and there is a specifically defined time to doing them. Okay...... and off we go! ONE: In class, notetaking My rule of thumb: Paying attention in class is HALF the battle. If a professor uploads slides online before the class, download them and print them out beforehand. For classes in which intensive note taking is required, a laptop may be the best option. I prefer taking notes long hand. Use at least two pen colors. TWO: Homework This is the section where most make the mistake. Here is my game plan for homework: Every Friday, I crack open my binders and go through each syllabus.
Starting on Friday morning let's me get a head start on the week. Agenda. Reading texts. Read a section of your text (that you own!) That you consider "manageable" but make no entries Review the section: Number important or sequential ideas in the margins Underline or highlight: main subjects examples of these main ideasthat help you understand them unfamiliar vocabulary and/or definitions Jot down paraphrases, questions, and summaries in available space within the text Develop a system to coordinate various sources of information: workbooks, CDs, Web sites, classroom notes, etc. First: read a section of your textbook chapter Read just enough to keep an understanding of the material.Do not take notes, but rather focus on understanding the material.
It is tempting to take notes as you are reading the first time, but this is not an efficient technique: you are likely to take down too much information and simply copy without understanding Second: Review the material Locate the main ideas, as well as important sub-points Third: write the paraphrased ideas as your notes. Hack Your Pocket Moleskine Into A Wallet. If you’re like me, you love your Moleskine, but hate having to lug around one more thing in your pants pockets. With a cell phone and wallet already occupying valuable pocket real estate, the addition of the Moleskine can make your bottom half start to feel bulky.
I thought about getting one of David Allen’s NoteTaker Wallets, in order to combine my wallet with the note taking functionality of the Moleskine, but they’re $90! As a law student who’s taking on student debt, I can not bring myself to drop $90 for a wallet. So, here’s the next best thing. Hack your Pocket Moleskine into a fully functioning wallet. What We’re Going For Pretty cool, huh? The Materials MoleskineCredit card holder templateScissorsGluestickLight card stock (100-120 gsm) Instructions 1. 2. 3. 4. Seduced by Moleskine. My Moleskine. Moleskine Planner Hack—Complete Organizing Solutions. The Mowallet. Study Schedule Resource.