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NOTES


"The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for
the circumstances they want, and if they can't find them, make them."

-George Bernard Shaw


Do not take notes -- Listen in class
(Take notes only if it helps to maintain focus)


  • For most L.D. students, it's harder to take notes than it is to mentally process and apply the knowledge.

  • The brain can't do two things at once -- listen and write. While in class only listen. Get the notes before or after class.

  • Again, focus your time and mental energies on the concepts, not on encoding/writing notes.

  • Ask the instructor, "Can a vocabulary flowchart or outline be provided?" Sometimes the word sequence is harder to follow than the concept sequence.

  • Never stress out taking notes. It's not worth it. Save your mental energy for studying. If you can only read or write a certain amount a day, don't burnout acquiring the concepts during the day. Burnout studying the concepts in the evening.

  • It's amazing what you can remember if you sit back, relax and listen.


    "I like to listen. I have learned a great deal from listening carefully.
    Most people never listen."

    -Ernest Hemingway


  • If it's difficult to follow/understand a concept . . .

    • Don't shut down, don't turn off, don't hang your head -- keep paying attention

    • Ask the instructor to repeat the concept using an example, illustration or flow chart.

    • See the instructor after class -- don't fall behind.

    • Go over the concept with a classmate or tutor that day.

  • If you take notes, limit your writing. Write a key word outline and don't worry about the spelling.

  • Keep inidividual notebooks and folders for each course.

    • Color code and match.
      Example: math - red notebook, red folder

    • Divided sections for syllabus, class notes, completed homework, tests/quizzes and handouts.

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