This week in class we practiced the note taking strategies: plug in notes and 1 plus 3 notes. These strategies were difficult for me to understand at first but after practicing both I decided that plug in notes would fit me best as an auditory learner.
Following professor Blumin's instructions I chose the two classes I have the most difficulty in to test this strategy out. I decided to use this method in my SOM 122 and WRT 105 courses. These sections require heavy note taking. For the SOM 122 the exams I need to be able to comprehend my definition based notes, and my WRT 105 notes are essential for applying into my end of unit essay. For both these courses we take notes almost every class period, therefore this week I left spaces in between in between the major points we took notes on. In those spaces I wrote out an important word, catchphrase, or picture emphasizing the focus of that main point. After these classes when I made up the Q and A table, I was able to instantly point out what types of questions will show up on the exam, and what I should consider writing about in the essay.
This strategy was incredibly effective. Being able to review my notes and see an important word, catchphrase, or picture capturing the main point will help me memorize and better understand the topic. Also the Q and A map provides me with an adequate study guide that will enable me to view question that have a fair chance of coming up on my next exam, and will help me write a compelling essay.
As an auditory learner listening to my professors in these two courses and using this strategy benefited me. Using this strategy this past week has made me feel as comfortable as ever for my next exam or essay. The materials brought about in this strategy was making a Q and A chart and restructuring my class notes to best fit my learning style. This strategy is like striking gold, This will provide me with the necessary components to succeed in my courses.
I chose this strategy because it helped comprehend my class notes better the 1 plus 3 strategy did and this also provided me with an effective study guide. I have also taken good notes and have been able to efficiently study from them. This strategy just added another dimension to my note taking. The idea of writing a word, catchphrase, or picture expressing the main point of my note, is right up my alley. I will uses this strategy on exams and essays in all my courses.
Haha, I love how you adapted this strategy in a way that was useful, as well as entertaining for you. Great use of the plug in areas, I did a similar technique in my notes, but I made T Charts instead, mostly to contrast different points and ask myself questions as I took notes. Also, good use of the Q and A map, it's good to see the strategies introduced at the beginning are still helpful to you. I think I might try the plug in notes in my WRT 105 as well, it seemed to be fairly helpful for you. Great blog, keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteThe plug in notes had the same kind of effect on me as it did you. Unlike you I am a visual learner so when you may plug in a note with a word or catch phrase, I used a visual chart or venn diagram. I find this more effective when plugging in. We both used the Q and A to our advantage and feel that it is great study material. I did not use this strategy for my WRT 105 class but it sounds like it was effective for you so I will try that this week.
ReplyDeletePlug-In Notes seem to be really help you and you seem to really enjoy it. It's also killing two birds with one stone as it aids in better note taking and like you said, helps you anticipate test questions. You should really continue to keep this up as it'll directly correlate with better scores and semester grades in the long run.
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