How to Raise Your GPA: Three Note Taking Strategies

So, in my opinion, the real key to learning, whether in school or for your own edification, is to find various systems that work, and then use them.  After many years in college, and a variety of experiments on different ways to learn, I have found a few things to share and advocate.  I plan on writing a whole series of hubs on better study techniques, and how to raise your GPA, so if you're interested, please click on follow me.  And, as always, I love comments and fan mail, so don't hesitate to hit me up.

In this article I have included three of the methods I use on a daily basis (at least when I'm attending school).  Make sure to check out the various links and resources I have included, as well as the book Learn More, Study Less, by Scott Young.  I purchased the book when it first came out and find it a great way to get started on increasing your GPA, in college or high school.

Quite possibly my favorite method of notes, especially in classes that are intensive on details, dates, etc. I typically use this method in history courses that are heavy on information. The idea is that the paper has three sections - the notes section, a "cue" section, and then a summary section. You can see an example to the right of the this blurb. You can tailor any of the steps to suit your needs, but typically, this is how to use the Cornell Method:

• Notes section: take your typical notes here. Attempt not to take them down verbatim, but allow yourself to synthesize the information - to basically create your own words from what you're learning.
• Cue section: This is basically the margin. You place cue words that give you a bit of understanding as to what is in the notes section. I also add questions to this side, with the answer basically being in the notes section.
• Summary: At the end of each page, write a three sentence summary. It is key to summarize in your own words. It allows you to create your own words, and have your own level of understanding.

Tips

• Cover up the "notes" side. Use the cue to asks questions, see if you can answer them, and check your answers
• Commit to review the summary section every day. You will become very much aware of the material (remember, this isn't your only review of notes, just something in addition to your exam prep strategies)

Links / Resources

• PDF Example with Notes on How to Use this Method HERE
• Custom Cornell Note Generator HERE
• Great Article from LifeHacker.com on this Method HERE

This is probably the method you are most familiar with. We use it for papers, essays, projects, and the like, and it is quite easily the most taught system out there. I find it useful in some classes (remember, you need to pick a method that words best for you. Just as there are many different learning styles, so to are there different ways to learn). I like to call this method the bullet point bonanza, as that is the most typical symbol used. Check out how to do it below:

• Write down the points in an organized manner.
• Major points (headings) are placed closest to the left hand margin
• Indent and add additional points below the heading (only those that fit).
• You can use bullet points, little dots, roman numerals, regular numbers, or any other type of system you like.

Tips

• Use your major points (headings) as the beginnings of questions for self tests
• This system works best if the teacher or professor gives you the information in an organized, hierarchal manner. If not, it may be hard to categorize the information properly.

Links / Resources

• Examples of outline method HERE
• Fantastic resource on outlines for essay writing HERE

Easily the most fun, a mind map is just like those "bubble" brainstorms you did in junior high. At its best, this method allows you to connect concepts together, showing relationships amongst a variety of areas. At its worst, you'll go crazy trying to figure it out. Tons of books have been written on how to use Mind Mapping for school, work, creative writing, etc. (I've included some links in the resources section below).

• Remember, this is a graphic representation.
• Start with a circle and branch out concepts, with sub branches, etc (It's easier to understand this by looking at the example to the right and reading more in the resources box)

Tips

• Use colorful pens and pencils, either to add spice to the mind map, or in an organized manner
• Get creative with it. In one of my History classes I drew a bottle of Jack Daniels, representing the Whiskey Rebellion, as the center of my map on the topic
• With practice comes perfection (or something like that)

Links / Resources

• Video of Tony Buzan explaining the Method HERE
• Good explaination of Mind Mapping HERE
• Hubpage Articles on Mind Mapping HERE