Using Class Time Effectively:

Class time is an important study period that should not be wasted.

• Prepare for class.
  • Be caught up with all homework assignments.
  • Pre-read the next chapter.
  • Prepare questions to ask in class.
  • Review the material covered in the previous class.
• Be an active listener.
  • Listen for main ideas.
  • Repeat important ideas to yourself.
  • Ask questions.
• Be an effective note-taker.
  • Copy all problems worked in class in detail, writing down every step. Even if you understand all steps now, you might not remember them later.
  • Keep taking notes, even if you are confused about the problem. Put a question mark next to notes you don't understand. Discuss these steps with another student, a tutor, or the teacher.
  • Summarize what the teacher is saying. Take down the most amount of information with the least amount of writing. Do not copy everything the teacher is saying. Use abbreviations.
  • Read the chapter to be covered in class before going to class. This way you know what material is covered in depth in the textbook. You can reduce your note-taking and spend more time listening.
  • Explore different note-taking techniques, such as a 2-column system, with one column for your class notes, and another column for comments on the class notes.
• Listen to tips the teacher gives about the material, such as
  • repeating information
  • announcing a tricky problem
  • announcing that this problem will be on the test
  • summarizing information
• Rework your notes as soon as possible after class. Most forgetting occurs right after learning the material.
  • Rewrite the part of your notes you cannot read.
  • Add information you didn't have time to write down.
  • Review key information.
• Review your notes again about 8 hours after class. This will increase your retention rate.