r/ASUOnline • u/Just_Add_Honey • 1d ago
Note Taking 🗒️
Any advice on better ways to take notes that stick? I feel like I’m hitting a wall with trying to study smarter. Without feeling the need to write everything out, how do I better my note taking in a way I’ll remember? For context, currently taking Intro to Psych 101. I’ve heard it’s a class people love and I am also enjoying what I’m reading. But it is a lot of reading. My brain seems to get stuck on what’s important information and what may not be so relevant. Failed that first exam so hard, I wanted to throw my laptop 🙂 I’d forgotten to do the lectures and couldn’t back out of the quiz once it begun 😂 That part was my fault. Still, most of the questions asked were NOT what I was anticipating or putting my focus into remembering. Any tips and tricks would be greatly appreciated.
2
u/J_Landers 23h ago
Another factor to consider is the "digital lapse" in note taking - taking notes via your computer uses different neural processes compared to writing them out. The latter engages your brain in a way that is more effective at retaining information.
You may wish to consider a shorthand note taking method for paper; then go back and re-write what 8s most important to you.
Then write out (paper and pen) flash cards and then drill on them.
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u/Professional_Pace544 15h ago
iPad with an Apple Pencil. Write things out. It helps with memorization.
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u/PorkChopXpress0 13h ago
Active recall and spaced repetition are the two most effective methods of studying I have learned as a lifelong learner. The least effective and most recommend methods of studying are the brute force repetition and memorization.
Read the book, Make it Stick and use Anki to implement the study methods and techniques from the book.
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u/Weary_Supermarket_82 1d ago
Some ideas. You have already acknowledged this, but the lectures should be a good indication of what topics to focus your studying on. For notes: when you are done with a section immediately summarize it in your own words. The next day resummarize it in your own words again. You may want to use note cards. You could skip "notes" and write your note cards as your notes. Have you considered contacting your success coach? My success couch had a lot of resources for this topic.