<p>So, I've always used notebooks simply because the abundance of paper. But it always seems like they go into total disarray because a) I either run out of paper or have way too much, so that notebook was a waste b) all of the handouts you get I just stuff into the pockets, never to see them again c) I really only need 1-2 subject notebooks, but those are only 100-200 pages so I hit problem a.
This brought me to the conclusion that I would only do binders this upcoming year because it's easy to insert paper, however much you need, and insert handouts and such. Only problem is, I hate the hardness of it and dealing with the separators and things tend to tear out and get lost into oblivion.</p>
<p>So, which does everyone prefer? And how the heck do you manage to organize with them?</p>
<p>I use a 5-subject notebook (it's gotten me through two semesters so far and about to start on a 3rd) and then I keep a folder for handouts. And then I have a 2" or bigger binder in my room that I keep all handouts/graded stuff/printed out readings/etc. once I'm done with them. That way I always have everything with me that I need for class (folder and notebook), but I also know where things are after we've used something for only a few days (binder).</p>
<p>In HS I did a soft binder for every class. I plan to carry over the same strategy in college. Sometimes teachers will even require binders with dividers (as was the case with my first college class this summer!). The advantages I've found to binders:</p>
<ul>
<li>Easy to organize with dividers into notes, hw, projects, etc.</li>
<li>Compact storage for everything pertaining to one class (cuts out excess folders, binders, notebooks)</li>
</ul>
<p>The binders I get have built-in plastic dividers that are pretty much impossible to tear if you aren't trying. As far as regular pages falling out, I do ocassionally have that problem but it's easily solved with those little reinforcer tabs.</p>
<p>It's been binders for me ever since high school except for the few classes (in high school) which required notebooks. This way, I can take just a clipboard with me to all of my classes for the day and then put my notes in my notebooks when I get back to my room. That said, I've switched to taking notes on my computer as often as possible.</p>
<p>I'm a notebook girl. Either 1 5 subject for each class other than math, or a three subject for every two subjects other than math. I always use (and fill!) a 5 subject in math. Spring for the more expensive ones with pockets!</p>
<p>I have a 2" fake-leather type binder that is very durable, much softer to the touch and professional looking (if you care about that sort of thing) and that I got at wal mart. I put those dividers with pockets on each side in it as well as lots of paper, and I can use it for all my classes and keep everything organized. I have used this system for a few years now and can't imagine anything else. It works by far the best for me, and sounds perfect for you as well - I used to have all the same complaints.</p>
<p>I've usually used notebooks, but I end up writing in the wrong notebook for a couple days, writing in the wrong order, running out of paper...
so I think I'm going to try binders this year.</p>
<p>^^^ That's EXACTLY what I hate about notebooks. Or you get the 5 section book because you need that much paper and try to use a section but don't know how much room you need. Ugh. </p>
<p>I looked online at the Five Star Flex Hybrid Notebinder and I think I may pick up one of those, and one binder, test run them for a week or two, then buy the rest of whichever I like more. The thing I hate about binders is how box-y they are and if you get anything above a 2" it's impossible to stuff inside a backpack if you have anything else (and you can forget your laptop altogether). I just need flexibility for organization, and I think binders will better allow for that.</p>
<p>
[quote]
It's been binders for me ever since high school except for the few classes (in high school) which required notebooks. This way, I can take just a clipboard with me to all of my classes for the day and then put my notes in my notebooks when I get back to my room. That said, I've switched to taking notes on my computer as often as possible.
<p>Oh god, this is something I go through every year and I always just end up carrying around a stack of paper for all my classes because I get sick of both notebooks and binders.</p>
<p>I used ringed notebooks all through high school. I find them convenient whenever I have to take notes (simply flip over to next blank page) and I don't have to do much organization. It takes too much effort (for me) to add and remove papers from a folders and I keep handouts in a separate folder. That way I always have notes organized in a notebook and handouts, printouts, etc. in a paper folder (usually a vanilla folder). I have used the leather binders whenever there were too many papers for a vanilla folder to handle, just transfered them over. for ex. 12th grade English, she literally handed out like 1000 pages in one semester of school. handout whore.</p>
<p>In high school, I used binders. I thought I'd do the same in college, but it became a real hassle. They take up more room in the backpack, and more often than not, you'll be taking notes, not getting handouts. Even then, a lot of the handouts I did get weren't hole punched.</p>
<p>So I definitely say get notebooks, and use folders (sometimes located within the notebooks) for handouts.</p>
<p>What I do is print off the ppt lecture before hand (usually 6 slides/page), staple that days lecture together, write any pertinent info on the printouts(I write really small), and keep them in a folder. I also use a small notebook to write any extra info on.</p>
<p>for those in college - do the professors give out many handouts
and do they ever collect notebooks or binders</p>
<p>I took a class at a local community college and a teacher actually collected our binders and gave us a grade for the organization/notes in them..</p>