Motivation and Learning Strategies for College Success : A Self-management Approach

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LEARNING FROM LECTURES 223

Different instructors have different ways they communicate the

importance of lecture material. The following are signals that indicate

you should copy information in your notes:

• If the instructor repeats or emphasizes a point, you can usually
  assume it is important. You might write R (repeat) or place an
  asterisk (*) in the margin to mark the importance of the
  information.


• Copy whatever the instructor writes on the board or shows on
  the overhead projector.


• Always write definitions and listings, such as: “The three steps
  in this process are... ” “The two effects were... ” “Five char-
  acteristics are.... ”


• Listen for important comments, such as: “This is an important
  reason... ” “Don’t forget that... ” “Pay special attention
  to.... ”

In the previous chapter, I discussed four different representations—

hierarchies, sequences, matrices, and diagrams. Listen for the signal

words listed in Table 8.1. The same words used by authors to signal

organizational patterns also are used by lecturers. When you hear a

signal word in a lecture, make a notation in your notes to review the

information for a possible representation after class. Leave room in

your notes for the construction of the representation.

2. Condense the Main Ideas and Supporting Details Into Short Phrases or
   Sentences, Using Abbreviations Whenever Possible.

Lecturer: “There are three parts to the Condensation: Three

information processing system: the parts to IPS—STSS, WM,

short-term sensory store, working LTM

memory, and long-term memory.”

Words Abbreviations

pound lb

and &

positive 

negative 

without w/out

compare comp

example eg.

feminine fem

masculine masc

point pt.

introduction intro.

that is i.e.