P.R.I.S.M. method of note taking

by | Dec 8, 2023 | Study skills

The P.R.I.S.M. method is a structured approach to writing notes, focusing on key elements. Let’s apply the P.R.I.S.M. method to rewrite the provided information about creating effective study notes:

P – Purposeful Planning:
Before diving into note-taking, consider your learning style. Identify whether you are an auditory, visual, physical learner, or a combination of these. Tailor your note-taking format to suit your preferences. Whether it’s audio recordings, visual aids, physical activities, or a mix, planning according to your learning style enhances the effectiveness of your study notes.

R – Relevant Summarisation:
Summarise content systematically. Start by going through the syllabus chronologically, ensuring a solid foundation of background information. Focus on writing concise, personalised summaries in your own words. Use diagrams, flowcharts, or brief points to distill complex concepts. Prioritise harder topics and create both topic and module summaries. Keeping your summaries relevant ensures a clear and targeted study resource.

I – Interactive Note-Taking in Class:
Engage in pre-reading before class to familiarise yourself with upcoming concepts. During class, separate known information from new material. Utilise class time to answer questions and integrate class notes into your overall set of notes. Develop interactive note-taking techniques such as asking questions, connecting concepts, and highlighting key points. This method ensures that your class notes are dynamic and contribute effectively to your study materials.

S – Systematic Learning:
Learning your study notes goes beyond creating them. Schedule regular review sessions to reinforce your memory. Systematically practice recalling information at different intervals—short-term and long-term. Consistency is crucial for strengthening memory neurons. Acknowledge that studying can be challenging, and if you miss a session, don’t be too hard on yourself. Consistent, systematic effort is the key to mastering the content.

M – Multiple Formats:
Recognise the value of using multiple formats in note-taking. Whether it’s handwritten notes, typed documents, audio recordings, or visual aids, leverage a combination that suits your learning style. Experiment with different formats to find the most effective way to absorb and retain information. Combining formats enhances your understanding and memory, making your study notes more comprehensive.

By applying the P.R.I.S.M. method, you can create purposeful, relevant, interactive, systematic, and multi-format study notes that cater to your unique learning style and contribute to effective exam preparation.

Active Reading

Active Reading

by | Aug 6, 2023 | Study skills

Active Reading: Cultivating Problem-Solving Skills for Students

In today’s fast-paced and complex world, problem-solving skills have become more critical than ever for students to thrive academically and succeed in their future careers. One effective method to enhance problem-solving abilities is through active reading. Active reading goes beyond merely absorbing information; it involves engaging with the material, analyzing, questioning, and connecting ideas. In this blog post, we will explore how students can actively read to develop problem-solving skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.

Set Clear Goals
Active reading starts with setting clear goals before diving into the text. Understand what you aim to achieve by reading the material. Are you looking to understand a concept, solve a specific problem, or expand your knowledge on a topic? Having a purpose in mind helps maintain focus and allows you to direct your efforts effectively while reading.

Preview the Material
Before delving into the entire text, take a moment to preview it. Skim through the headings, subheadings, illustrations, and summary paragraphs. This step provides an overview of the content and helps in forming an initial framework for understanding the material. It also aids in identifying potential problem areas or questions that might arise while reading.

Ask Questions and Make Predictions
Active readers engage with the material by asking questions and making predictions. As you read, pause to reflect on the information presented and inquire about the author’s perspective or the underlying principles. Try to anticipate answers to these questions and evaluate if your predictions align with the author’s conclusions. This practice fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills by challenging your understanding and promoting deeper analysis.

Take Notes and Annotate
While reading, take notes and annotate the text to capture important concepts, key insights, and any questions that come to mind. Develop your system of highlighting or underlining relevant information. Notetaking enhances memory retention and helps in organizing your thoughts, making it easier to recall and apply the learned knowledge when faced with problems later on.

Connect Ideas and Real-World Applications
Problem-solving skills often require the ability to connect seemingly unrelated concepts and apply them in novel situations. As you read, make connections between different ideas presented in the material. Consider how these ideas relate to your previous knowledge and experiences. Furthermore, explore how the concepts can be applied in real-world scenarios, making the information more practical and relevant.

Discuss with Peers
Engaging in discussions with peers or educators is an excellent way to deepen your understanding and problem-solving skills. Share your interpretations of the material, exchange ideas, and collaborate on solving challenging problems together. Verbalizing your thoughts and listening to others’ perspectives can lead to new insights and novel approaches to solving problems.

Reflect and Review
After completing the reading, take some time to reflect on the key takeaways and the process of active reading itself. Review your notes and consider how the information can be applied in different contexts. Regularly revisiting the material can reinforce learning and help solidify your problem-solving skills over time.

Active reading is a powerful tool for students to develop problem-solving skills that will benefit them throughout their academic journey and professional life. By setting clear goals, asking questions, taking notes, and engaging in discussions, students can enhance their critical thinking, analytical abilities, and creativity. Problem-solving is a valuable skill applicable to various disciplines, and active reading serves as an essential foundation to nurture these skills. So, the next time you pick up a book or an article, remember to actively read, and watch as your problem-solving abilities flourish. Happy reading and problem-solving!

Note-taking and Record-keeping

Note-taking and Record-keeping

by | Mar 6, 2023 | Study skills

Note taking and record keeping are essential practices for students to achieve academic success. It may seem like a tedious task, but the benefits of note taking and record keeping can significantly impact a student’s learning experience. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of these practices and how they can enhance a student’s learning.

Firstly, note taking is an effective way to organise and retain information. It helps to improve memory retention and recall by summarising and synthesising essential information in a concise format. Additionally, notes can serve as a reference for future use, such as studying for exams or completing assignments.

Moreover, note taking can help students engage with the material actively. When students are taking notes, they are processing and analysing the information, which reinforces their understanding of the material. It encourages students to think critically and ask questions, which can lead to a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Recording keeping is equally important as note taking, as it allows students to keep track of their progress and monitor their academic achievements. It can help students identify areas of strength and weakness, which can be helpful in setting academic goals and improving overall performance.

Keeping a record of assignments, grades, and deadlines can also help students stay organised and reduce stress. It provides a sense of control over their academic responsibilities, allowing them to manage their time effectively and avoid last-minute cramming.

Additionally, record keeping can serve as evidence of academic achievements, which can be useful for job applications, scholarships, and further education opportunities. It demonstrates a student’s dedication and commitment to their studies, which can set them apart from other candidates.

In conclusion, note taking and record keeping are essential habits for students to achieve academic success. They can enhance a student’s learning experience by improving memory retention, encouraging active engagement with the material, and providing a sense of organisation and control over academic responsibilities. By incorporating these practices into their learning habits, students can set themselves up for success both in and out of the classroom.