Question notes

Most students, when taking notes, just write down what they consider are the key facts. I suggest that you write down questions instead - turn around the statements you are reading into questions. You have to figure out a good answer of course and then write this down, preferably on a different sheet, or the other side, so that you can test yourself. You can either turn a statement into a question, or ask lots of further questions.

This engages the brain much more than 'copying' material into your notebook and makes it much more likely that you'll remember. It's another example of 'active' learning. Here are some examples:

Biology example:
You read that respiration reactions occur in the mitochondria. Simply write down the questions, "Where does respiration take place?" and"What do mitochondria do?"
You could then carry on with questions about respiration.

Chemistry example:
You read that an acid and a base react together to form a salt and water. Instead of just repeating this fact in your notes, ask some questions:
What happens when an acid reacts with a base?
What is a base?
What is an acid?
How do you make a salt?
What, exactly, is a 'salt'?
Write down three word equations for acid plus base reactions.
Write down three balanced equations for acid plus base reactions.

Physics example:
You read that light changes direction as it enters an area of different density - this is called refraction.
What is the definition of refraction?
Draw a diagram that shows the path that light takes as it moves from an area of low density to one of higher density.
Give three real-life examples in which you can see refraction happening.
What is the 'angle of refraction'?
What kind of materials can cause refraction?

The advantages of this approach are that you are learning in a much more active, creative, engaged way. You also have notes, with answers, that you can test yourself with, rather than relying on past papers.

[-> Next - go to the first page of the section on creating great notes - Maps and spiders ]

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