Study Like it’s 1999

“OK STUDENTS LISTEN UP!!”

… Remember hearing that one? Welcome back to class!

I know I’ve said some of these things in a few different places, but this is a quick and dirty outline for you to reference with a few links thrown in in case you really want to get better at learning.

I am here to help you start your journey, not perfect it necessarily, so everything here is a great starting point for you to find out what works best for you!

Notepads for Class and the Yard

Effective note-taking and study strategies are crucial for success in class. Here’s an overview of both tools and strategies for best note-taking and study practices:

Note-Taking Tools:

1. Digital Note-Taking Apps: Apps like OneNote, Evernote, and Notion allow you to take organized digital notes. They offer features like organization into notebooks, easy search, and cloud syncing for accessibility across devices.

2. Traditional Notebooks: Physical notebooks and loose-leaf paper remain popular choices for many students. Consider using notebooks with dividers or sections for different subjects.

3. Laptop or Tablet with Stylus: Some students prefer digital note-taking using a stylus on a tablet or laptop. Apps like GoodNotes and Microsoft OneNote are great for this purpose.

4. Voice Recorder: For classes with complex or fast-paced lectures, a voice recorder can complement written notes. Be sure to ask for permission before recording in a classroom.

Note-Taking Strategies:

1. Active Listening: Pay close attention during lectures. Engage with the material by asking questions and participating in discussions.

2. Outline Method: Organize notes hierarchically using bullet points, headings, and subheadings. This helps you see the structure of the information.

3. Cornell Method: Divide your paper into three sections: a narrow left column for cues, a wider right column for notes, and a bottom section for a summary. This method encourages review and self-assessment.

4. Mind Mapping: Use mind maps to visually represent information. This is especially effective for topics with interconnected concepts.

5. Highlighting and Color Coding: Use different colors for key points, definitions, and examples. Highlight sparingly to emphasize important information.

6. Abbreviations and Symbols: Develop a system of abbreviations and symbols to speed up note-taking. Keep a legend for reference.

7. Review and Summarization: After class, review and summarize your notes. This reinforces your understanding and retention of the material.

Study Strategies:

1. Active Recall: Test your memory by recalling information without looking at your notes. This active engagement strengthens retention.

2. Spaced Repetition: Review material multiple times over increasing intervals. This technique enhances long-term retention.

3. Flashcards: Create flashcards for key terms, concepts, and questions. Apps like Anki facilitate digital flashcard creation and spaced repetition. When you get a chance to go to Walmart, perhaps, before dropping off the rental car, make sure to grab some of these little supplies like notecards and highlighters if this is the route you were going to take.

4. Practice Problems: For subjects like math and science, solving practice problems is crucial. Work through examples and exercises to reinforce understanding. Most likely you will run into some practice problems regarding navigation. It helps to familiarize yourself with the rand McNally atlas and your GPS. I recommend GPS systems elsewhere on the site, but I use Google maps for my initial navigation before switching to a truck GPS to plan my route, just be good at interacting with the GPS itself or you will be frustrated trying to learn more than one thing in class at a time!

5. Group Study: Collaborate with peers for group study sessions. Explaining concepts to others can enhance your own understanding. If you see somebody else taking notes, become their friend and get their phone number. If you are not sitting next to them in class, show up a little bit early and join them so you can stand out to the instructor together.

6. Visual Aids: Use diagrams, charts, and visual aids to represent complex information. Visual learning can be highly effective. Especially when you are around the trailer or looking at the truck, engage with the equipment and speak out loud when you interact with it.

7. Active Learning: Engage with the material actively rather than passively. This can include teaching the material to someone else, writing summaries, or creating concept maps. If someone else is struggling while you look to remember all the items on your pre-trip inspection, or how to crank down a strap or change an air hose, be quick to be helpful. Helping somebody learn, is one of the best ways to remember things yourself, and think all the way through it!

8. Healthy Habits: Ensure you get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise regularly. These habits can positively impact your ability to study effectively. Stay hydrated, especially in the summertime, you are going to be in a dusty parking lot surrounded by hot trucks. Probably don’t have to explain this one, but it is much harder to focus with a hydration headache!

Remember that the most effective study and note-taking strategies can vary from person to person. Experiment with different methods to find what works best for you, and don’t be afraid to seek guidance or resources from your instructors or academic support services if you need help refining your approach.