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A Visual Learner’s Guide to Textbook Note Taking

Read the textbook before taking notes. The purpose of note taking is to synthesize information, not writing every fact that comes your way. Reading the book first allows you to discern what information is useful and what isn’t.

Don’t take traditional notes. In other words, don’t just write your note down the page with bullet points and whatnot. It’s a good way to organize information (at least, while you’re taking them), but it doesn’t make use of spatial memory. And since everything looks the same in rows, it’s harder to pick out specific points so you’d probably be better off just rereading the book.

Make use of space. Don’t just write down the margin. Make webs, boxes, bubbles, anything to help you further organize information. By doing it on paper, you’ll do it in your head.

Doodle. Seriously, do it. Draw pictures, sketch diagrams, make silly stick figures saying silly things. It’ll give you a sense of context and drawing it out will make you remember it longer.

Use arrows. You probably already do this. It helps flow your notes for your eyes and brain.

If possible, use color. Not only does it make your notes more exciting, but you’ll be able to associate and organize information better mentally (e.g. color coding “Ferdinand” and “Frederick” in AP Euro notes so you don’t mix up the two). It’s preferable to use a color scheme so your page of notes doesn’t look as if a unicorn barfed all over it.

Insert personal thoughts. Be weird. Weird things are easier to remember.

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AP Cram Packets Galore!

Someone on the Internet consolidated this list and sent it to me. So so helpful! GOOD LUCK everyone!

Art History Smarthistory: a multimedia web-book about art and art history Course-notes Barrons pdfs Biology AP Biology Exam Guide Chapter Review Giant Review Sheet Calculus AB & BC Cheatsheet (AB & BC) Stuff You MUST Know Cold for AP Calc (AB) If you see that, do this (AB) Chemistry AP Chemistry Notes Podcasts Quick Review Comparative Government and Politics Government Comparisons Cramsheet Study Sheet Computer Science Review: Part 1, Part 2 English Language Rhetorical Strategies AP Language Review Environmental Science Vocab to Know Tips APES Review European History STUDY GUIDES Exam Review Sheets French Language Cram packet Human Geography Course-notes Macroeconomics Every Graph You Need To Know (YouTube) Cram packet Microeconomics Cue cards Study guide

Physics B & C Cram sheet (B) Equations (C Mech) Equations (C Mech) Unit Notes (C Mech) Unit Notes © Unit Notes © Equations © Psychology Crib notes Cram packet Quizlet sets Statistics Cram packet Inference Procedures AP Stats formulas U.S. Government Cheat Sheet Review Materials U.S. History Cram Packet: part 1, part 2 The Giant AHAP Review Unit study guides Quizlet sets Quick Review The Comprehensive AP US History Study Guide World History Cram Packets and Review Sheets Cram packets by era Course-notes Mr. Hubbs History Reviews Released MC and review books Kiwiasian’s site ‒ released MC exams, review books in pdf Chilldude’s collection ‒ released MC exams, review books, textbooks in pdf

(note: NOT MY STUFF. The MC exams have been officially released by College Board. None of these materials were acquired through illegal means.)

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FOCUSING ON A LONG TERM GOAL!

hi! as requested by several people (a long time ago, sorry this is super late), i’m making a how-to on focusing on a goal that is rather daunting/large/intimidating! now, don’t fear, for this will help you reach that goal very easily!

step one: this should be fairly simple, but sometimes i have trouble with this step. so, what you’re going to have to do is set the goal itself. if you have a goal already, then that’s great! write it down, or stick it at the back of your head, and visualize it. ask yourself: why do i want to reach this goal? how can i reach it? the answers to these two questions will be very crucial for focusing on the goal! for this illustration, i’m going to use ‘become a lifelong learner’ as my goal.

step two: think about your goal, and the answers to the two questions above (how and why). using your answers, you’re going to write down, or think of, or jot down (whichever floats your boat!) some smaller goals that will help you achieve the large goal. for instance, for my goal, i’ll probably do ‘read more books’, ‘learn to appreciate art better’, ‘discover new learning methods’ and ‘become more open-minded’ for my smaller, more specific goals! note that they’re all inter-related and will contribute to me stepping closer to the final goal!

step three: if you’re making a mind-map (i like to mind-map my goals, hehe) you’re going to need to further analyze your smaller goals! now, ask yourself: how can i achieve these smaller goals? what can i do (whether daily, weekly or in the long run) that will help me get closer to these specific goals? for my example, i’ll say that i’m going to try and read five books every month, and write a reflection after i finish each one under the goal ‘read more books’. in this portion it helps to write something that is attainable and extremely specific.

step four: follow these specific guidelines as much as possible, and soon enough you’ll find yourself to be closer to that big, big goal, since you’ve broken it down so much. you won’t realize it, but every small little sub-goal, every small task you make, will contribute to getting you to your goal! have fun, and remember, nothing should take precedence over your mental and physical health :]

and that’s it from me ! remember, you are great and worthy and important, no matter what.

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Do whatever works for you.

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How to correctly answer questions in a test.

ACCOUNT: Account for: state reasons for, report on. Give an account on: narrate a series of events or transactions.

ANALYSE: Identify components and the relationship between them; draw out and relate implications.

APPLY: Use, utilise, employ in a particular situation.

APPRECIATE: Make a judgement about the value of.

ASSESS: Make a judgement of value, quality, outcomes, results or size.

CALCULATE: Ascertain/ determine from given facts, figures or information.

CLARIFY: Make clear or plain.

CLASSIFY: Arrange or include in classes/ categories.

COMPARE: Show how things are similar or different.

CONSTRUCT: Make; build; put together item or arguments.

CONTRAST: Show how things are different or opposite.

CRITICALLY (ANALYSE/ EVALUATION): Add a degree or level of accuracy, depth, knowledge and understanding, logic, questioning, reflection and quality to (analyse/ evaluation).

DEDUCE: Draw conclusions.

DEFINE: State meaning and identify essential qualities.

DEMONSTRATE: Show by example.

DESCRIBE: Provide characteristics and features.

DISCUSS: Identify issues and provide points for and against.

DISTINGUISH: Recognise or note/ indicate as being distinct or different from; to note differences between.

EVALUATE: Make a judgement based on criteria; determine the value of.

EXAMINE: Inquire information.

EXPLAIN: Relate cause and effect; make the relationships between things evident; provide why and/or how.

EXTRACT: Choose relevant and/ or appropriate details.

IDENTIFY: Recognise and name.

INTERPRET: Draw meaning from.

INVESTIGATE: Plan, inquire into and draw conclusions about.

JUSTIFY: Support an argument or conclusion.

OUTLINE: Sketch in general terms; indicate the main features of.

PREDICT: Suggest what may happen based on available information.

PROPOSE: Put forward (for example a point of view, idea, argument, suggestion) for consideration or action.

RECALL: Present remembered ideas, facts or experiences.

RECOMMEND: Present reasons in favour.

RECOUNT: Retell a series of events.

SUMMARISE: Express, consider, the relevant details.

SYNTHESISE: Putting together various elements to make a whole.

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Remember that people are bad, not religions, not races, not genders - people.

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I’m taking my own advice and doing stuff (5) are you?

40 notes and no accountability. What have you done today?

Some things you can do - no really, get up and do this stuff and feel better

1) Start Running

2) Learn a language (or from here)

3) Read a book (but books aren’t free!?)

4) Start a community group (or join one)

5) Clean up

5a) Your garden

5b) Your house

5c) Your closet

6) Start Geocaching

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“Somebody loves you, drive carefully!” - sign on roads in Serbia.

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Do what makes you happy. If you don't have something, do what makes someone that loves you happy. If you don't have someone that loves you, look again.

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If you're reading this, and you have a whole life ahead of you, please. Don't procrastinate. Don't leave your dreams for later. Relish in your energy, your passions. Don't stay on the internet with all your spare time (unless your passion needs it). Please, do something with your life while your young. DO NOT settle down at 20. DO NOT forget your friends, your family. Yourself. Do NOT waste your life. Your ambitions. Like I did mine. Do not be like me.

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Plan your day

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Procrastinate in bed instead - and feel good about it

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The reward is the most important part of setting goals. Find your reward and some self control and you’ll find productivity.

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Replace some negativity in your life

It’s important to recognise what you’re doing and know that you are making decisions.

Instead of talking about people - Talk about things you like or want to do

Talking about people fans flames that need not be there. Whether it’s jealousy, anger, frustration - this is dangerous if you don’t realise it’s happening. Stop talking about other people and you’ll be feeling better soon.

Instead of holding a grudge - choose your reaction (forgive or forget)

You have the choice to forgive or forget something that is bothering you. If someone did something that upset you enough to think about it for weeks on end you either need to address it with them, or forget it. Make a choice, get out of limbo.

Instead of blaming others - Accept responsibility, and be empathetic

Understand that there’s a lot going on with people that you don’t see. Instead of jumping to negative thinking, try to think of a time you did something similar, or think of a reason they may have acted in that way. Again, you’ll find that if you catch yourself thinking negatively and change it you’ll feel a lot better.

Instead of watching television to relax - read a book, go for a walk, or have a chat

There are many things I’m sure you “just can’t find the time for”. It’s tough to feel motivated but acting motivated breeds motivation, just like happiness. You fake it ‘til you make it. Strengthen relationships, get some exercise - physical or mental - refrain from sitting stuck on your couch.

Set goals

This is the hardest, I think, out of the five.Setting achievable goals is nigh, or so I thought. Start small. Pick tasks that you can do immediately.

“Today I will eat a piece of fruit”

“Today I will go for a thirty minute walk”

“Today I will call my old friend”

These are all immediately achievable things. Perhaps even all at one. Walk to the shops to buy a piece of fruit and call your friend on the way! 

By achieving small things you can build up.

“Write 100 words of this assignment” ... “Write 200 words...” 

“Call mother this week” ... “Call her twice a week” ... “Go see her”

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Some things you can do - no really, get up and do this stuff and feel better

1) Start Running

2) Learn a language (or from here)

3) Read a book (but books aren’t free!?)

4) Start a community group (or join one)

5) Clean up

5a) Your garden

5b) Your house

5c) Your closet

6) Start Geocaching

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Spend time, not money. Next few posts will be things to help you do some things from this list