dragonbook

29 8. At the end of the lecture, ask questions about points you did not understand. 9. Don't be in a rush. Be attentive, listen and take notes right up to the point at which the instructor dismisses you. If you are gathering together your personal belongings when you should be listening, you're bound to miss an important point--perhaps an announcement about the next exam! AFTER THE LECTURE: 1. Revise your notes as quickly as possible, preferably immediately after the lecture since at that time you will still remember a good deal of the lecture. 2. During the first review period after the lecture, coordinate reading and lecture notes. 3. Review your lecture notes AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK. Also, review the lecture notes before the next lecture. TIPS ON TAKING NOTES 1. Collect notes for each course in one place, in a separate notebook or section of a notebook. 2. Write notes on one side of the page only. 3. Use a loose-leaf notebook rather than a notebook with a permanent binding. See the pattern of a lecture by spreading out the pages. 4. Write name and date of the class on the first sheet for each lecture. 5. Use 8 1/2 x 11 sheets of paper for your notes. This size will allow you to indent and see the structure of your notes. 6. Do not perform manual activities which will detract from taking notes. Do not doodle or play with your pen. These activities break eye contact and concentration. 7. Enter your notes legibly because it saves time. Make them clear. 8. Use abbreviations. 9. Box assignments and suggested books so you can identify them quickly. 10. Mark ideas which the lecture emphasizes with an arrow or some special symbol. 11. Pay close attention to transitional words, phrases, and sentence which signal the end of one idea and the beginning of another. Listen for words such as "therefore", "finally", and "furthermore." They usually signal an important idea. 12. Take down examples and sketches which the lecturer presents. Indicate examples with "EX." 13. Review your notes as soon as possible. Read through the notes and improve the organization if necessary. 14. Listening and note taking are SKILLS. The more you practice these techniques, the more skilled you will become. 15. REALLY TRY TO USE AND IMPROVE THESE SKILLS. Soon you will be able to record the fastest lecturer to your satisfaction. SIGNAL WORDS Your instructor is not going to send up a rocket when she states an important new idea or gives an example, but she will use signals to telegraph what she is doing. Every good speaker does it,