Lecture Notes – Part IV - Different Delivery Systems

Continuing on with lecture notes, there are a variety of ways that professors deliver the information to the students.  Each format has its own challenges and strategies to maximize your learning.

Format:  Traditional spoken lecture

Challenges:  It is easy to drift off, doodle on your paper, or think about something else when attending a traditional lecture.

Strategies:

• Bring a drink or hard candy with you to keep you alert.
• Read the textbook and review previous notes so that you are familiar with the information
• Sit up front
• Every time your mind wanders, make a hash mark on the top of your page when you bring your attention back to the lecture.  Over time you will become more aware of your mind wandering and be more attentive.
• Be sure to continue to write – that will keep you involved

Format: Power-point

Challenges:  Sometimes professors move too fast because they do not have to write anything and do not realize how fast they are moving through the slides.

Strategies:

• Ask the professor to slow down (everyone else in the class is thinking the same thing!)
• If possible, print out the slides ahead of time and take notes directly on the slides.  Use the format where the slides are down the left side of the page and there is room for notes on the right.
• Review the strategies for the traditional lecture.

Format:  The entire lecture is available on the internet.

Challenges:  Thinking, “Why should I go?  I can read the information on my own.”

Strategies:

• Go to class.  You will understand and learn better if you hear the professor explain the information as well as give additional examples.
• Read the lecture beforehand.  Treat it the same way you would a textbook assignment.
• You can take notes on the printed lecture, noting where the professor emphasized something or added examples.
• Take separate notes.
• Review strategies for the traditional lecture.

Whatever you decide to do – Go to class!  Listen!  Write!