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

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LEARNING FROM LECTURES 227

demonstrating the procedure to find the reciprocal of different num-

bers, the righthand side of your notes identifies the procedure and the

lefthand side lists the question: How do you find the reciprocal of dif-

ferent numbers?

4. Once a Question Has Been Identified, Return to the Lecture-Note Text and
   Underline a Key Term or Phrase That Triggers an Answer to the Question. Dif-
   ferent students given the same notes may underline different words or
   phrases, because the information that triggers an answer for one per-
   son may do nothing for another. As in reading textbooks, do not
   underline too much. Focus on only enough information to help
   answer the mirror question you wrote. The following are additional
   procedures to help you learn the content in your notes:


5. Read the Key Terms or Phrases to Verify That They Help You Recall the Infor-
   mation in the Notes. If the key terms or phrases trigger only partial
   answers to the questions, underline more information.


6. Cover the Notes With a Blank Sheet of Paper and Attempt to Answer Questions.


7. If Appropriate, Construct Representations to Depict the Organization of the
   Material in the Lecture.


8. Write a Summary Question for the Total Lecture at the End of Your Lecture
   Notes for the Day. Place a circle or box around this question so it will
   be easily recognized when you review your notes. Here you want to
   ask: “What is the one major question that reflects the purpose of
   today’s lecture?” or “What is the relationship between my mirror
   questions?” If you can answer both of these questions, you would
   understand the theme or main idea of the total lecture. Think about
   the usefulness of summary questions in studying for essay examina-
   tions. In some classes, you may be able to predict 75% or more of
   the essay questions on your examinations.

Directions: The following is a lecture excerpt on the psychology of

to use the indenting format. After taking notes, write one or more

EXERCISE 9.2: PRACTICING THE NOTE-TAKING

STRATEGY

learning. Take notes on this passage in the space provided. Be sure

mirror questions in the lefthand margin and, finally, underline parts

of your lecture notes that answer your mirror question(s). If possible,

have a friend play the role of the instructor and read the lecture to

you as you take notes.