Techniques that will help you to become a better student
The importance of writing
Writing is a very useful thing to do during your studies. Here, we would like to present you formats of writing that will improve your learning sustainably.
Taking notes: [edit]
When you're in a lecturing session or any other class, it's strongly recommendable to take notes. This allows you to stay focused during the session, instead of simply listening to the teacher and having higher chances of mentally drifting off.
General summary of important aspects when taking notes:
- Use a fresh notebook (paper) at the beginning of the semester and a pen that you enjoy writing with (no electronic devices)
- Pick one method / format for taking your notes. Just randomly writing down words on a piece of paper doesn't count as "taking notes". There has to be an understandable structure.
- Stay with the teacher and constantly pay attention. Phrases like "this is important" or "for example" automatically indicate that the next words should be noted down.
- Don't write entire sentences. Bullet points only.
If you want a broader explanation of this topic, watch this video.
In case you decided to use an electronic device to take notes, at least use a good app. Here is a list of the top 10 apps for taking notes of 2017.
Learning diaries [edit]
It might sound corny, but this is actually a really great tool. A learning diary is something that you do for yourself. After each day you simply reflect on what you've learned and studied that day. Use your own words and try to summarize the topics in short explanations to yourself. Additionally, you should argue with the topic. Do you agree with the statements? And of course, note down questions or mark topics that you don't yet feel confident in.
This combines different supportive processes that will help you memorize the information you received during the day.
First of all reflection. Reflecting is a great way to check on your understanding of something. Be honest with yourself and see what you've actually learned.
Secondly, writing things down is another great way to better save information. Your mind has to actively work with the information which increases the chances of retrievably saving the information.
And thirdly, using your own words gives the entire task another touch. Now, your mind does not only have to recall the information, it also has to check for your understanding and other words to repeat the meaning of the received information. Intense.
All in all a great tool. You should try it. A great app for your learning diary has been developed by "Fourteen Fish".