If you can do it, I can do it better.

During the first couple weeks of English, we did some note-taking. What was so important about it? 

T h a t  d e p e n d s  o n  y o u. 

In my perspective, notes are just sitting in your backpack. Do you take the time to look over them and "study?" I don't. I'm more of a memorizer than a studier.I learned that taking sloppy notes and organizing it helps me remember what I need to know.

It's just not any note-taking. It's the way you choose to write it down. Using an outline is an easier way for me to learn.

In our Personal Growth class, there's a section about taking notes in the On course book by Skip Downing. "The goal of note-taking is Collecting key concepts, main ideas, and supporting details" (93).

There is an outline that is broken into three categories: Before Taking Notes, While Taking Notes, and After Taking Notes. 

Before Taking Notes:

1. Create a positive affirmation about taking notes.
2. Assemble appropriate supplies.
3. Complete homework assignments before class.
4. Prepare a list of questions.
5. Attend every class.
6. Be organized.

White Taking Notes: 

1. Listen actively for key concepts, main ideas, and supporting details.
2. Ask and answer questions.
3. Listen for verbal clues.
4. Take notes with an outline. 
5. Take notes with a concept map.
6. Use three-column notes for mathematics.
7. Speed up note-taking.

After Taking Notes:

1. Polish your notes within twenty-four hours.  

I found that this process was very beneficial to me and to anyone else. It just depends on how you take in the information and process it.