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In this module, you
will reinforce the
information you
learned about in class
and in chapter 4 of
your textbook. The
goal of this unit is for
you to use the tools
and information to be
successful with your
studies.
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To truly be successful
with your classes, you
need to follow a
process. Everything we
cover in this module
fits inside the acronym
P A R.
We want your study
skills to be… up to PAR!
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P = Plan/Prepare
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A = Act/Attend Class
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R = Review
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What does
planning and
preparing
involve when it
comes to being
a student?
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Have all of your class materials,
textbooks, notebooks, writing
utensils, flash drive, etc.
Use some type of planner.
(WSGA provides one free to
you!) Put everything you are
responsible for in it (classes,
assignments, job, etc.).
Try the Assignment Calculator to
plan writing projects.
Know how you learn best…
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There are
many views on
learning styles
and how
personality
plays into
learning. We
are focusing
on the VARK in
this course.
V = Visual
A = Aural/Auditory
R = Read/Write
K = Kinesthetic
1. Click on the link (at left) and take the
questionnaire. Remember you can mark
as many answers as apply to you in each
question.
2. When you have submitted your results,
take a look at the “Helpsheets” as these
will aid you with your studies.
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Go to class! You paid for it, so
get your money’s worth.
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One of the biggest predictors of
student success is based on
class attendance. It matters!
Before class starts:
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Sit up front if possible.
Review last class’s materials,
notes, etc. Be ready!
Put away distractions (like that
cell phone).
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During class:
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Pay attention and actively
listen.
Ask and answer questions
when appropriate.
Be ready to take notes.
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There are
several styles
you may use
when taking
notes…
Cornell Method
Outline Format
Paragraph Format
Listing Format
CC photo by Kristin Wolff
Mind/Concept Mapping
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Developed by
Cornell University
Prof. Walter Pauk.
The paper has 2-3
separate sections.
2. After
class…
(preferably
within 24
hours of the
class), jot
down major
points,
dates,
names,
terms, etc.
here.
1. Take notes in
this section as
you normally
would during
your class
period.
Optional Section: Write a summary
sentence or two about this page of notes.
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A formal way of
organizing your
notes.
May be difficult to
write them in this
format during
class.
Could be good
review to re-write
your notes in this
format.
I. US Civil War 1861-1865
A. North (Union)
B. South (Confederacy)
II. Leaders
A. Union
1. Abraham Lincoln, President
2. Ulysses S. Grant, General
3. William T. Sherman, General
a. Atlanta Campaign
b. March to the Sea/Savannah
B. Confederacy
1. Jefferson Davis, President
2. Robert E. Lee, General
3. Stonewall Jackson, General
III. Issues and Causes
A. Slavery
B. States’ Rights
C. Industrial v. Agrarian
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Writing your notes
in rough sentences
& paragraphs.
“Sentences” may
actually be
fragments and
phrases.
US Civil War – Begins 4-12-1865
North – Union, South – Confederacy.
Leaders:
(N) – Abraham Lincoln (Pres.), Ulysses S.
Grant (Gen.), William T. Sherman (Gen.);
(S) – Jefferson Davis (Pres.), Robert E. Lee
(Gen.), Stonewall Jackson (Gen.)
Causes of War: Slavery; states' rights,
agrarian v. industrial way of life…
US Civil War – Begins 4-12-1865
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Sometimes referred
to as “charting.”
North = Union
Often incorporated
with other notetaking methods.
Causes:
Slavery
Preserve Union
Industrial
South = Confederacy
Leaders:
Abraham Lincoln (Pr.)
Jefferson Davis (Pr.)
Ulysses S. Grant (Gen.)
Robert E. Lee (Gen.)
William T. Sherman (Gen.) Stonewall Jackson (Gen.)
Slavery
States’ Rights(Secession)
Agricultural
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Method literally makes connections between topics and ideas.
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May be difficult to write them in this format during class.
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Could be good review to re-write your notes in this format.
A. Lincoln
South=
Confederacy
North=Union
US Civil War
1861-1865
US Grant
Sherman
Robt. E. Lee
Slavery
States' Rights
Jeff. Davis
Jackson
Ind. v. Ag.
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After class…
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Review within 24 hours of learning the new material.
Research shows that if you review new information within a
24 hour time frame, you have a better chance of
remembering it in the future!
Consider interacting with the material in different ways
(study group, flash cards, tutoring in Mabee’s ASC, rewriting notes…). The more frequent and various ways you
interact with it, the better chance you have of remembering
it.
Remember the 2:1 rule - (2 study hours for every 1 credit
hour of course work).
Plan weekly reviews of your course material. This will
save you time when exams roll around!
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Use the tools and
processes which work
best for you.
There are many
digital/technology
options available, but
don’t discount paper
and pen/pencil.
Follow PAR and you
will be successful.
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Tech. Options:
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Assignment Calculator
Evernote
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Studyblue.com/evernote
Catch
Studystack.com
Google Docs
Zoho Notebook
Mind42 (mind map site)
Bubbl.us (mind map site)
OpenOffice.org
Jjot
MyNoteit
Notezz!
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