Organization techniques

[missbones]

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Hello!

I am new the forums. Been perusing for a while now, finally decided to make an account.

Anyhow there are tons of posts/threads in all the different subforums about studying styles/techniques etc but I am a nerd and am always wondering about organization techniques that compliment/go along with people's study routines. Im sure there's a least a few other neurotics out there with some pretty serious organization skills.

So here are a few questions I have:

1. How do you take notes/organize them? Spiral bound notebook? Loose leafs in a binder? Laptop? Stained napkins? Record lectures instead? Do you write in traditional outline form vs bullets vs paragraphs? Do you skip notes all together?

2. How do you organize class materials? One large binder with several tabbed dividers? Separate binder for each? Separate folders? Toss papers into open bag/backpack half-hazardously?

3. How do you handle old work? Do you chuck it upon receipt? Neurotically organize it by date and type with a separate folder for each? Plastic protector sheets? Line your cat box with it?

4. Do you track grades independently of the teacher? Do you make a spreadsheet? Jot down grades on the syllabus? Scribble it on some notepaper to make a quick calculation?

5. Desk at home? What's it like?

6. Extras (more study oriented) : Do you tab your text book or use sticky notes to mark pages? Do you write/highlight in the text itself? Use flashcards? Type/write words repeatedly to memorize? Do you read aloud to yourself? Prefer study groups/collaborative work? Do you recopy notes you've already written to drill in the idea?

Just wanted to see what ideas other folks are putting to use

 

[Toastayy]

1. Normally I take my own notes if it isn't a powerpoint lecture. Traditionally I use a 5-subject spiral notebook for notes taken in class, and most times in outline formats, using bullets and abbv. when necessary.
Then I would xfer important formulas, things to remember etc, on a blank sheet of paper for easier studying for a test or to look back on.
If it is a ppt lecture I still take my own notes from the ppt because I hate having a lot of paper stapled together...esp if it is just about one topic. I like to take all the important info on that topic and xfer it to not more than 1 entire blank sheet bank and front and maybe an extra 1, on 1 side.

2. Ahh, I'm pretty bad with old work, but trying to get better at it. Normally I would just leave them in the folders I used for the class, even if it isn't organized. But now, since I may need easier access to my info., I put all my tests together from one class in one plastic protector sheet and place it in one of those huge material binders...but i'm trying to come up with a better way for that..

3. If i know my professor is kind of a nut job, I would use the syllabus as my "grade tracker." For instance, if the syllabus states that a test will be given on a certain amount of chapters..i would just put those chapters in a bracket and place the grade i got for that chapter test beside it...but i've only done that for a couple classes...most of the time I keep a mental note of my grades..

4. I'm not a big fan of highlighters or flash cards...although i tried to get into that habit but epic fail. So, normally, like I kind of alluded to in number 1, is that I would read the text book chapter, (sometimes aloud if i didn't really understand it the first time) then I would jot down key concepts and formulas on my favorite blank sheet of paper (computer paper that is)..and then I compare it to the notes I took in class..and most of the time that's all i need...

Since you asked SDN, how about you also share your answers to your questions?😳

6. Oh my Desk at home..isn't anything much...i wish it had more space so I can do work, right now i'm doing like book work on the board where the keyboard is supposed to be..and It has like 2 shelves and 1 on top to put binders, and books...etc...

 

[sassilysweet]

I had been using three-ring binders with loose-leaf paper, one binder/class set (i.e. one for all of my MWF classes, one for the TR classes). I use to have a notebook per class or a 5-subject notebook, but that was wasting a lot of paper plus the notebooks would get wrecked from getting carried around so much (and pages would fall out). I usually have a 3-hole punch in my bag so all class materials are with my notes, too. Everything that gets handed back goes in that binder.
I hate when we get powerpoints because I feel I am a better note-taker without them. I like to take regular notes in the outline style with some bullet points or lists.
I usually keep all my old work if it is from a class I find relevant or may use again (typically science classes). I just keep them in the same binders and have a stack of binders. Most of them are labeled with which classes. I almost always keep the book for the same classes, too. I am a bit of a packrat, though.
Typically I keep all of my grades on the back side of the syllabus because I am super anal and like to track progress that way. Don't like grade surprises.
Desk at home is cluttered with colored pencils, multiple notepads, cds, whatever papers I am currently working on, and controllers for games. I know where everything is, though-everything has its own little pile ;0)
As for real studying, the first time through I read the book and highlight the text (will NOT buy a book that was previously hilighted-UGH) I find relevant. I have found though that most of my upper-level classes hardly had any focus on the book and all the pertinent info was in the powerpoint/notes. So I take my regular notes and then write them out in flash cards. I have a notecard carrier that has separate sleeves for different classes & that was awesome ^_^ If the book is really relevant though I will use those little flags and flag the pages. This was how I studied for the MCAT--things I really needed to review got tagged red, kinda ok with got yellow, and "review once more" got a blue tag. This really helped me focus on my trouble areas.
There was one girl in my class that would go through her notes with a yellow highlighter, then an orange then pink then green then blue. By the time she got to the end she couldn't read her notes anymore but she had the info memorized!

 

[missbones]

Since you asked SDN, how about you also share your answers to your questions?😳

Fair enough.

My issue is that I experiment with new tactics each semester but I'm never really sure how well each one works for me because my grades are consistent across methods. I guess maybe I just don't have a particular style of studying/organizing.

Right now I take notes in a multiple subject spiral notebook (I end up tearing the holes out of any lose sheets of paper from neurotically opening my binder too much). I keep a thin (1- 1 1/2 inch) binder with pocketed tabbed dividers for each subject (my upper division courses right now do not have many if any handouts so it just helps me organize the syllabi and paper prompts. I do track my grades on my syllabi. In past years I have put my syllabi in plastic protector sheets and never written on them, now I highlight when I've completed reading or assignments and mark my grade. I always have a running total in my brain as well.

I NEVER use flashcards. Even for language classes. They are cheesy and a waste of time IMO. People say making them helps them memorize the material, hasn't been the case for me.

When reading, this past semester, I tried to take notes on the side of key points etc but it did not help at all for my history course and my other courses didn't really use the text in any significant way on tests, so probably in the future I'll just stick to reading the text and marking pages I might use for a paper or want to return to if I didn't understand a concept.

Basically I was posting this thread to get news ideas because I am starting my chemistry/calc/physics/bio in the coming semesters (I'm pretty non-trad) and so I wanted to see how others approach these particular subjects since up til now I've mostly taken social science/english/history courses which are basically paper/midterm/final.

 

[TheMightySmiter]

I am probably one of the most disorganized pre-meds out there. 🙁

 

[jinx520]

I kept a bunch of blank loose-leaf paper in one of those clipboards that you could put stuff in, and that was the only thing I took to school (unless there was an exam that day). When I got home, I would re-read my notes and then file it in a large binder with a tab for each subject. On exam day I'd bring the whole binder for review. For lecture, I would paraphrase what was said and write it down, in complete sentences. For some reason, this helped me to get key concepts down more quickly. Plus, I ended up writing notes that actually made sense and that I could study from. I had to learn to write fast, though. The only thing I kept after a class was over was interesting journal articles that I downloaded for papers and such--only the ones that I thought I might use someday in case I had to do another research project. I have a special file just for those articles, separate from my regular household files.

 

[SparkleMotion]

Hello!

I am new the forums. Been perusing for a while now, finally decided to make an account.

Anyhow there are tons of posts/threads in all the different subforums about studying styles/techniques etc but I am a nerd and am always wondering about organization techniques that compliment/go along with people's study routines. Im sure there's a least a few other neurotics out there with some pretty serious organization skills.

So here are a few questions I have:

1. How do you take notes/organize them? Spiral bound notebook? Loose leafs in a binder? Laptop? Stained napkins? Record lectures instead? Do you write in traditional outline form vs bullets vs paragraphs? Do you skip notes all together?

2. How do you organize class materials? One large binder with several tabbed dividers? Separate binder for each? Separate folders? Toss papers into open bag/backpack half-hazardously?

3. How do you handle old work? Do you chuck it upon receipt? Neurotically organize it by date and type with a separate folder for each? Plastic protector sheets? Line your cat box with it?

4. Do you track grades independently of the teacher? Do you make a spreadsheet? Jot down grades on the syllabus? Scribble it on some notepaper to make a quick calculation?

5. Desk at home? What's it like?

6. Extras (more study oriented) : Do you tab your text book or use sticky notes to mark pages? Do you write/highlight in the text itself? Use flashcards? Type/write words repeatedly to memorize? Do you read aloud to yourself? Prefer study groups/collaborative work? Do you recopy notes you've already written to drill in the idea?

Just wanted to see what ideas other folks are putting to use

1) I only use notes as a complement to my initial analytical process of the material as it's presented in class. Rarely do I actually look at my notes again after I take them.

2) It depends on the materials, but generally I don't have any formal system. I'll have something that I take notes with, usually a notebook, and I'll shove papers in there. The most useful thing I do is keep a to-do list of everything I need to do. Later on I read my lists and compile a tentative schedule.

3) I only keep late work as long as the class lasts so that I can insure that I get my points. You'll want to have a backup in-case your professor or a T.A loses your materials.

4) I keep mental notes on how I'm doing in class - how well I'll need to do for X thing or whatever. I generally don't care that much because I know what I'll get in the end.

5) Very small actually - I need to get a new one. Ideally I would have a desk with a very wide/large area to work on. I have speakers on and above, and misc. office supplies. Give me plenty of room to spread my papers, textbooks, other reference materials, and coffee.

6) Study techniques are a huge area. It would take me at least a page to give a brief overview, so I'll pass. I will say that everyone has different techniques that fit them personally.

 

[YouNeverKnow22]

this should help http://calnewport.com/blog/category/tips-organization/

 

[YouNeverKnow22]

1) I only use notes as a complement to my initial analytical process of the material as it's presented in class. Rarely do I actually look at my notes again after I take them.

2) It depends on the materials, but generally I don't have any formal system. I'll have something that I take notes with, usually a notebook, and I'll shove papers in there. The most useful thing I do is keep a to-do list of everything I need to do. Later on I read my lists and compile a tentative schedule.

3) I only keep late work as long as the class lasts so that I can insure that I get my points. You'll want to have a backup in-case your professor or a T.A loses your materials.

4) I keep mental notes on how I'm doing in class - how well I'll need to do for X thing or whatever. I generally don't care that much because I know what I'll get in the end.

5) Very small actually - I need to get a new one. Ideally I would have a desk with a very wide/large area to work on. I have speakers on and above, and misc. office supplies. Give me plenty of room to spread my papers, textbooks, other reference materials, and coffee.

6) Study techniques are a huge area. It would take me at least a page to give a brief overview, so I'll pass. I will say that everyone has different techniques that fit them personally.

shockingly I'm the same way, I need to get better with this.

 

[missbones]

this should help http://calnewport.com/blog/category/tips-organization/

Fantastic link/website.

Thanks a bunch this is really awesome!

 

[Arjuna]

1. How do you take notes/organize them? Spiral bound notebook? Loose leafs in a binder? Laptop? Stained napkins? Record lectures instead? Do you write in traditional outline form vs bullets vs paragraphs? Do you skip notes all together?

2. How do you organize class materials? One large binder with several tabbed dividers? Separate binder for each? Separate folders? Toss papers into open bag/backpack half-hazardously?

I bought this neat little plastic file holder from Staples, along with a few navy green folders, with plastic label holders on the top. I labeled each green folder with the subject name, and put my class papers in each one. These folders were subsequently organized alphabetically in the aforementioned file holder. Very handy. When I take notes, I print out the powerpoint slides, (if the professor provides them, on blackboard) and I take notes on the side. I also record my lectures simultaneously. If there are no slides available, I take notes in a notebook, and I have one notebook just for that class. I plan to start typing up my notes in the future. This is due to economic incentives; I heard the local bookstore pays for neat, premed-style notes. 😎


3. How do you handle old work? Do you chuck it upon receipt? Neurotically organize it by date and type with a separate folder for each? Plastic protector sheets? Line your cat box with it?

See above. I still have my stuff from high school. To show my future children. 😛

4. Do you track grades independently of the teacher? Do you make a spreadsheet? Jot down grades on the syllabus? Scribble it on some notepaper to make a quick calculation?

Well, I just glance at the syllabus, and track my grades that way. Also, we have an online system called Blackboard; very handy. Tracks grades FOR you. Haha.

5. Desk at home? What's it like?

Quite uncluttered; the occasional book or underwear lands upon it, but otherwise, pretty neat. I have some idols on a pedestal and my favorite books at arms reach.

6. Extras (more study oriented) : Do you tab your text book or use sticky notes to mark pages? Do you write/highlight in the text itself? Use flashcards? Type/write words repeatedly to memorize? Do you read aloud to yourself? Prefer study groups/collaborative work? Do you recopy notes you've already written to drill in the idea?

Flashcards are the bane of learning. NEVER use them. I laugh at people using them; it reminds me of middle school. Imagine making those in medical school; would be a nightmare! To memorize, I just understand the stuff first, then I read it aloud/in my head. Then I quiz myself/look at previous exams. Then, I group study. It works. I never recopy notes, but I might just start doing that for the aforementioned reason. Money is hard to come by these days. 😀

 

[missbones]

I really wanna buy this desk since the one I have is getting old/wobbly:

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S19861339

 

[avksx]

I really wanna buy this desk since the one I have is getting old/wobbly:

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S19861339

You may have A.D.D.; please, speak with your physician for more information.

 

[missbones]

You may have A.D.D.; please, speak with your physician for more information.

Refer to my original post, question #5.

Totally relevant!

 

[Arjuna]

I really wanna buy this desk since the one I have is getting old/wobbly:

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S19861339

Um. How is this relevant? Do you...want OPINIONS?

 

[avksx]

Refer to my original post, question #5.

Totally relevant!

Nonetheless, it was kinda funny to see how focused you are on the quality of your desk when there are so many other more important factors involved. If your wobbly desk is bothering you that much, I'd suggest just moving away from whatever geographical fault line you're living on top off.

😉

 

[missbones]

Nonetheless, it was kinda funny to see how focused you are on the quality of your desk when there are so many other more important factors involved. If your wobbly desk is bothering you that much, I'd suggest just moving away from whatever geographical fault line you're living on top off.

😉

haha I apologize most profusely for sharing my desk preference. I didn't realize it would be so offensive and derail my topic in such a significant way, I hope others can see past my mistake and still manage to provide organizational commentary and not be blinded by my smoke screen.

and I live in California. Its all fault lines here baby!

 

[YouNeverKnow22]

Fantastic link/website.

Thanks a bunch this is really awesome!

no problem