Ben
12-22-2011, 01:17 PM
Ben's Guide To Getting A's
Table of Contents:
1. Hints on how to study correctly.
2. Note taking
3. Lectures
4. Study Groups
5. Putting it all together!
Please note, this is my way that I use to get A's on tests, papers, and more. If you have a way of getting A's yourself, then don't bother reading this guide.
1. HINTS
#1: Log Off Facebook & ANY other websites. (That means Neopets )
[Only registered and activated users can see links]
[Only registered and activated users can see links]
#2: Unless you are using google or other "scholarly" websites, Do this: CTRL + W or CTRL + Q. (Try this) -EDIT: Might work, might not.
#3: Turn OFF any MUSIC, TV, FRIENDS, BABIES, ETC. So you arn't distracted by ANYONE. Find a nice quiet environment. -PERSONAL PREFERENCE!
#4: Sit in an actual chair. Don't sit on your bed or the couch. You are bound to fall asleep. Posture will keep you awake.
[Only registered and activated users can see links]
#5: Tell yourself a goal. Whether thats:
a) Reading xx pages of a novel/textbook.
b) Doing xx problems for a math/physics/chemistry class.
c) Writing xx pages of a paper.
d) Other (whatever you're doing)
#6: After you make your goal....as long as it's not less than 5, treat yourself! Take a break. You don't want to go insane doing homework. However, you want to retain the information you just learned/did. So BE SURE TO REVIEW AFTERWARDS.
2. Note Taking
This section is seriously the most important out of the bunch. I will teach you how to take extremely good notes...that helps with test studying and retaining the information. Remember, you retain more information writing it down, then reading it.
#1: Formatted Paper: Some of you may have customized paper for taking notes. If you do, then great! If you don't, I'll get to that in a minute.
a) One of my favorites, and one of the more effective way is Cornell Note taking. See Format Below:
[Only registered and activated users can see links]
b) NOTE You do NOT have to do the summary part. EVER. It doesn't help me, probably doesn't help you, if you've read the chapter you should remember what it's about after taking all the notes.
c) Effective Method: When putting stuff in the "keywords" section, be sure to put BOLDED or ITALICIZED words into the box, and be sure to write down the definition.
d) Effective Method 2: Be sure to jot down important facts and use these 6 concepts: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?
-If you're doing a novel/textbook, jot down the page number for easy accessibility.
-Use Abbreviations to write faster.
[Only registered and activated users can see links]
Example:
This method seriously helped me pass my biology course. It may work, it may not work. But it's better off than failing the class right?
#2) Loose Leaf Paper: Same way as Cornell, except you're using your classic notebook paper! Just format it like above, and you're all set! Save yourself room and don't put the summary section in.
#3) Note take like usual. (If you're already getting A's, you wouldn't be reading this. Note take like the way you're used to).
#4) Review your notes when you are done with class.
3. Lectures
Ahhh...good ole' lectures. Some people hate them, some people love them. Some professors won't teach you shit. Some professors have valuable information in them for tests. With that being said, ask your professor on the first day if what they say in class is relevant to tests, or papers. (I had a biology class and the professor lectures on meaningless things, so I had to learn straight from the book using the Cornell method).
#1) TAKE NOTES. If you find a professor is hinting at things for the test, WRITE IT DOWN!
#2) BEFORE a lecture, READ THE CHAPTER if you can!
#3) Take notes in cornell format, if you can.
#4) Always write down key words or other things (especially if the professor is talking to fast/no ppt)
#5) If a professor has a powerpoint, BE SURE TO KNOW IF IT'S ONLINE OR NOT. If it isn't, then that really sucks and you have to write down everything. (but hey, you won't be so distracted on that computer )
#6) Use a recording device. (Be sure to ask the professor for permission as some may not allow it)
#7) Have a friend that has your back for notes when you're absent. (We all get sick, so be sure you have a backup for notes you may have missed)!
4. Study Groups
This is a personal preference. If you learn solitary, then go ahead and do that. If you're a social learner, like me, then this benefits you.
#1) Find adequate study partners...(Don't go for the people that don't show up for class, not smart, etc).
#2) Meet in an environment where you're going to learn. Don't go to the cafeteria and expect to study. You'll run into distractions. (Ie. Library, Coffee shop, Dorm, etc)
#3) Set yourselves a restriction. (No socializing for xx minutes, etc) Sometimes these things just turn into social sessions, which you don't want to do.
#4) Enjoy easier learning!
5. PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER!
So here's the scenario: It's a couple weeks before test day/finals day and because you took notes, you have your OWN study guide while everyone else is scrambling to make copies off someone else or you, but you refuse.
1) If you took perfect notes during the course of the semester, studying your notes should be relatively easy (unless you have shitty handwriting).
-Everything will be in order. (By Chapter/pages/sections or whatever you labeled each page as)
-Review your notes for the course of 7 days before your final. A little each day (NO CRAMMING HERE).
-DO NOT WAIT TILL 12 HOURS BEFORE YOUR TEST/FINAL TO REVIEW.
2) Repeat Method 1 under "Hints".
3) Review any homework you may have gotten during the semester.
4) Follow up with friends or professors on things you do not understand.
5) Good Luck!
Disclaimer: I'm not responsible if you do not get an 'A' on your next test using this guide. You are using this for your own future and if you refuse to even try in college, then best of luck to you.
Table of Contents:
1. Hints on how to study correctly.
2. Note taking
3. Lectures
4. Study Groups
5. Putting it all together!
Please note, this is my way that I use to get A's on tests, papers, and more. If you have a way of getting A's yourself, then don't bother reading this guide.
1. HINTS
#1: Log Off Facebook & ANY other websites. (That means Neopets )
[Only registered and activated users can see links]
[Only registered and activated users can see links]
#2: Unless you are using google or other "scholarly" websites, Do this: CTRL + W or CTRL + Q. (Try this) -EDIT: Might work, might not.
#3: Turn OFF any MUSIC, TV, FRIENDS, BABIES, ETC. So you arn't distracted by ANYONE. Find a nice quiet environment. -PERSONAL PREFERENCE!
#4: Sit in an actual chair. Don't sit on your bed or the couch. You are bound to fall asleep. Posture will keep you awake.
[Only registered and activated users can see links]
#5: Tell yourself a goal. Whether thats:
a) Reading xx pages of a novel/textbook.
b) Doing xx problems for a math/physics/chemistry class.
c) Writing xx pages of a paper.
d) Other (whatever you're doing)
#6: After you make your goal....as long as it's not less than 5, treat yourself! Take a break. You don't want to go insane doing homework. However, you want to retain the information you just learned/did. So BE SURE TO REVIEW AFTERWARDS.
2. Note Taking
This section is seriously the most important out of the bunch. I will teach you how to take extremely good notes...that helps with test studying and retaining the information. Remember, you retain more information writing it down, then reading it.
#1: Formatted Paper: Some of you may have customized paper for taking notes. If you do, then great! If you don't, I'll get to that in a minute.
a) One of my favorites, and one of the more effective way is Cornell Note taking. See Format Below:
[Only registered and activated users can see links]
b) NOTE You do NOT have to do the summary part. EVER. It doesn't help me, probably doesn't help you, if you've read the chapter you should remember what it's about after taking all the notes.
c) Effective Method: When putting stuff in the "keywords" section, be sure to put BOLDED or ITALICIZED words into the box, and be sure to write down the definition.
d) Effective Method 2: Be sure to jot down important facts and use these 6 concepts: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?
-If you're doing a novel/textbook, jot down the page number for easy accessibility.
-Use Abbreviations to write faster.
[Only registered and activated users can see links]
Example:
This method seriously helped me pass my biology course. It may work, it may not work. But it's better off than failing the class right?
#2) Loose Leaf Paper: Same way as Cornell, except you're using your classic notebook paper! Just format it like above, and you're all set! Save yourself room and don't put the summary section in.
#3) Note take like usual. (If you're already getting A's, you wouldn't be reading this. Note take like the way you're used to).
#4) Review your notes when you are done with class.
3. Lectures
Ahhh...good ole' lectures. Some people hate them, some people love them. Some professors won't teach you shit. Some professors have valuable information in them for tests. With that being said, ask your professor on the first day if what they say in class is relevant to tests, or papers. (I had a biology class and the professor lectures on meaningless things, so I had to learn straight from the book using the Cornell method).
#1) TAKE NOTES. If you find a professor is hinting at things for the test, WRITE IT DOWN!
#2) BEFORE a lecture, READ THE CHAPTER if you can!
#3) Take notes in cornell format, if you can.
#4) Always write down key words or other things (especially if the professor is talking to fast/no ppt)
#5) If a professor has a powerpoint, BE SURE TO KNOW IF IT'S ONLINE OR NOT. If it isn't, then that really sucks and you have to write down everything. (but hey, you won't be so distracted on that computer )
#6) Use a recording device. (Be sure to ask the professor for permission as some may not allow it)
#7) Have a friend that has your back for notes when you're absent. (We all get sick, so be sure you have a backup for notes you may have missed)!
4. Study Groups
This is a personal preference. If you learn solitary, then go ahead and do that. If you're a social learner, like me, then this benefits you.
#1) Find adequate study partners...(Don't go for the people that don't show up for class, not smart, etc).
#2) Meet in an environment where you're going to learn. Don't go to the cafeteria and expect to study. You'll run into distractions. (Ie. Library, Coffee shop, Dorm, etc)
#3) Set yourselves a restriction. (No socializing for xx minutes, etc) Sometimes these things just turn into social sessions, which you don't want to do.
#4) Enjoy easier learning!
5. PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER!
So here's the scenario: It's a couple weeks before test day/finals day and because you took notes, you have your OWN study guide while everyone else is scrambling to make copies off someone else or you, but you refuse.
1) If you took perfect notes during the course of the semester, studying your notes should be relatively easy (unless you have shitty handwriting).
-Everything will be in order. (By Chapter/pages/sections or whatever you labeled each page as)
-Review your notes for the course of 7 days before your final. A little each day (NO CRAMMING HERE).
-DO NOT WAIT TILL 12 HOURS BEFORE YOUR TEST/FINAL TO REVIEW.
2) Repeat Method 1 under "Hints".
3) Review any homework you may have gotten during the semester.
4) Follow up with friends or professors on things you do not understand.
5) Good Luck!
Disclaimer: I'm not responsible if you do not get an 'A' on your next test using this guide. You are using this for your own future and if you refuse to even try in college, then best of luck to you.