Psychology2016

Psychology in Action PIA- 11

ask questions when they do not understand something or need a clarification. Asking
questions during a lecture is a good way to stay engaged in actively processing the
speaker’s message.
Ask your instructor if you can bring a digital recorder to class to record the
lecture. You will then be able to listen during the class and use the recording to take
notes from later. Some students may prefer to jot down diagrams, charts, and other
visual aids along with their written notes. When you have good notes taken while
reading the text and from the lectures, you will also have ready-made study aids
for preparing to take exams. The next section deals with the best ways to study for
exams.

Watch the Video Lecture Notes

Concept Map L.O. PIA. 4

Interactive

Reset

read your textbook and take notes

before class so you can focus on the

lecture–in the lecture only take notes on

the most important ideas

take notes and write information in your own words; create diagrams or charts

engage in active listening; focus on what is being discussed and ask questions

for clarification

Getting the Most Out of Lectures

Practice Quiz How much do you remember?

Pick the best answer.

1. To maximize success, which method of note-taking should
   Juan use?
   a. He should take notes in his own words as much
   as possible.
   b. He should write down every word from the PowerPoint slides
   used in class.
   c. He should highlight the text rather than writing his own notes.
   d. He should make sure that his notes contain the exact words
   used by his instructor.
   2. Avery maintains eye contact when listening to her instructors. She
   also places herself so that she can see and hear the instructors.
   Additionally, she works to listen to the content of the lecture instead
   of focusing on how they look or what they are wearing. Avery would
   be described as a(n)
   a. accomplished student.
   b. active listener.
   c. passive listener.
   d. social listener.

Studying for Exams: Cramming

Is Not an Option

PIA.5 Describe how to approach studying for exams.

Inevitably, the time will come when your instructor wants some hard evidence that you
have truly learned at least some of the material to which you have been exposed. There
is a right way to study for a test, believe it or not. Here are some good things to remem-
ber when preparing for an exam, whether it’s a quiz, a unit test, a midterm, or a final
( Carter et al., 2005; Reynolds, 2002):

• Timing is everything. One of the worst things that students can do is to wait until
  the last minute to study for an exam. Remember the analogy about “chewing” the
  steak? (Just as a steak has to be chewed to be enjoyed and to be useful to the body,