<p>So I'm one of those people who got good grades although didn't really invest time developing the study skills in high school, and now doesn't know how to actually study in college and is not doing well on the big exam.</p>
<p>I'm extremely interested in other people's study method, and how they organize/take note etc. So what are your study methods for reading/math problem solving/foreign language? and do you carry binders to classes or do you just use plain notebook? Do you highlight while reading the text? Do you have only one notebook or more than one per class? Do you type the note on the laptop and print off? Flashcard? </p>
<p>-Notebook. One per class - or if it's a multi-subject notebook, one section per class.
-I prefer to hand-write than use a laptop, simply because I remember the material better if it's handwritten.
-I (try) to review everything taught the same night to avoid cramming later.
- I don't highlight, it takes too long (I have a quirk where my highlight line would have to be perfect), I just leave a tick mark near the sentence.
- I use flashcards to avoid blanking out. </p>
<p>I use a single notebook for all my classes. Every class is a new page (I write the name at the top) That way all your information is with you, and if you're consistent, your notes are divided into little blocs of classes. It's the only organization strategy that has eveeer worked for me.</p>
<p>Recently I have started using my laptop for longer lecture classes because I type faster than I write. And I have folder on my comp for each subject.</p>
<p>Just a notebook. I have more than one, but more than often if there's not too many notes, I just use the same notebook and put the notes with the rest when I get back. I write down it in my own words, write the keywords of examples that will remind me of the lecture and always write down the sample problems. I always handwrite. I keep a folder for handouts and I always date them. But, I keep a list of all my assignment/projects/todos with their due dates in order of how soon it's due on a little postit on my laptop because I'm on so much. And I never highlight in a book. But, it might get tattered from my abuse of it.</p>
<p>For (BIG) tests: I look over the textbook, my notes, write out a review sheet with the important information, read that over and if I have the time, I look over my notes & the review sheet again in the morning.</p>
<p>I have a single-subject notebook for each class. I hate binders, and I hate typing my notes. I don't remember anything I type, but if I physically write something out, I won't forget it.</p>
<p>I never highlight, underline, or in any way write in any of my books unless it's specifically a workbook. It's more efficient for me to write notes on looseleaf anyway. I hate flash cards, too: too much effort, and I very rarely need to memorize so much material that rote memorization would be necessary. The paper waste is bad for the environment, too.</p>
<p>Disclaimer: I am a high school senior, not a college student, but intend to continue a similar process into college. Unless everything drastically changes, which it could.</p>
<p>For most classes, my teachers have typically stated in a syllabus what they want us to use to organize our notes. However, in the last two years or so, it's been a more free process. Binders with loose-leaf and dividers are most convenient to me for most classes, because teachers commonly give handouts that need to be included and because I can easily rearrange/transfer notes. Unfortunately, because of that ease, I sometimes mix them up and let the binders get messy, which is distracting and inefficient. Sometimes (especially with my history binder) I get lazy and don't take it with me to class, instead taking notes on a random sheet of paper. This, of course, leads to waste of paper and lost notes, since I often delay adding the pages to the binder until much later.</p>
<p>My very favorite method, one I hadn't used much until this year, is my calculus notebook. It's a huge three-subject thing that I use for only that class. Each divider includes hefty double-sided pockets which are folded so that their insides become space for me to stick homework scratch paper. In the pages themselves, lecture notes are continuous, with lines drawn to separate multiple days on one page. Each page is headed with a date and, when I have time while copying feverishly, a quirky, cheesy title (like "When life gives you lemmas" and "Rationalizing: Not for Machiavelli anymore!", or fun quotes from class) The dates provide a handy reference point (especially when wondering where to look in the notes when reviewing an old test), and the weird titles give me a fun reason to flip through my notebook and study. Best of all, everything is consolidated into one big place, and it's impossible for me to rearrange pages. </p>
<p>The thing about study methods is, each person has his or her own perfect way. Some people type everything up, some people write in longhand, some don't take notes at all but pay very close attention. And usually the demands of each class require variation in study method as well. Be willing to try multiple methods (I always hated using notebooks until this year; now I love it!). As long as you review your notes frequently and keep organized in SOME way, whatever works works. Go with it! =)</p>
<p>I keep one binder per class. I take notes, by hand, in lecture and on the assigned reading. In math, if there's something I'm not getting, I'll do more problems than were assigned until I'm sure I've got it down. In a foreign language, I find that flashcards (for vocab) and charts (for memorizing parts of speech, verb conjugations, etc.) have been infinitely helpful. </p>
<p>And I keep a planner. I write myself little notes two weeks before the test to remind myself that it's coming up - that way, I can avoid the stress that comes with cramming and pace myself.</p>