ATAR Notes: Forum
HSC Stuff => New South Wales Education Discussion => Topic started by: Lachie210 on February 20, 2016, 09:51:57 pm
-
Can someone please help me out with how to write good study notes please
-
Basically, taking notes is about collecting, combining, and summarising information from a lot of different places.
The steps look something like:
- Read something
- Decide which bits are the key bits, stripping out the less important stuff, and write/type out those key bits
- Simplify those key bits into easier and shorter language
- Read another source, and add in any extra information from it
- Organise into logical order and update at all times
- ... Repeat.
Here's some ideas of what I think are important features of good notes (and examine how other people's good notes do it!):
Concise
Your notes are full of little gold nuggets, the core pieces of information you need to know and understand to score full marks on the exam. Don't hide them in fluff and feathers (i.e. lots of unnecessary words and irrelevant information).
- cut anything only semi-relevant or too detailed
- condense it into dot points or numbered lists
- strip out filler words and full sentences
- honestly, textbooks often say things a ridiculously roundabout way - think a few times about how to say the same thing short and simple; this also helps you 'get' what it's talking about
Accurate
Double check that your summary actually says what the original source said, and get your teacher to give them a quick go-ahead... nothing worse than learning the wrong info for the exam because you recorded it incorrectly in your notes! Google and ATARNotes together should iron out most of your problems, if you want.
Evolving
I see each subject like a 1000-piece puzzle - your understanding of it is shaped by tiny pieces of information captured from a million different places (teachers, ATAR Notes forums, revision lectures, youtube, Googling, textbooks, Khan Academy, other people's notes, etc.) It's your job to fit them together into one jigsaw puzzle - but this takes time.
So constantly add, move, organise, merge and chop throughout the year. Don't give up and let it stagnate once you've got 150 pieces laid out. As you find more info, add it in; and gradually simplify and improve conciseness and order, over time.
Unique
When you just straight copy-paste, it lets you record stuff you don't understand. You don't have to process, digest, think and internalise the information. If you turn it into your own words, simplify it, rearrange it, and flesh out bits you didn't get, so it makes sense to you - you'll actually remember what it was all about. One of the most effective study methods I know of.
Structured
- use bold, clear headings (Word's inbuilt ones are super easy to use!)
- try to make the order logical
- syllabus dot-points make great headings/structure
- ordered bullet points and numbered lists are often easier and clearer than blobs of text and full paragraphs/sentences
Clear
- decently large and clear font size
- dot points and spacing after paragraphs (again word's inbuilt spacing after paragraphs is amazing), rather than unreadable walls of text
- clean, simple and consistent
-
It's really important to make sure you use the syllabus to determine which of your notes are important or not, purely because the HSC exams can only test you on dot points included in it. So you should create a set of notes for every dot point. That's my tip :)
-
Can someone please help me out with how to write good study notes please
Just thought I'd post up a link we produced recently, on this very topic! It's brief, but gives some examples of the things discussed above.
Check it out here!
Jake
-
Is there any service which goes over your notes for free (like the free essay marking service)?
Thanks
-
Is there any service which goes over your notes for free (like the free essay marking service)?
Thanks
Not really conic, but if you want to upload yours I'd be happy to tell you what I think of them!! Just pop them below ;D
-
I'd suggest less emphasis on notes during year 12 - the best way to learn is through questions. I've heard from many others that notes should be used to get you to a stage where you can attempt questions - any more than that is a waste of time.
Anyone have thoughts on this? I follow this method - I don't write notes when I don't have to.
-
I'd suggest less emphasis on notes during year 12 - the best way to learn is through questions. I've heard from many others that notes should be used to get you to a stage where you can attempt questions - any more than that is a waste of time.
Anyone have thoughts on this? I follow this method - I don't write notes when I don't have to.
Shifting the emphasis on past papers is certainly true in itself, however notes were nonetheless a good supplementary aid for when I forgot my content in physics and chemistry. Saved me time from flipping through a textbook when I could just annotate my notes.
-
how many different resources should you be looking at when creating notes?
for example, when I create my biology notes; I lookat two textbooks, two sets of class notes, a heap of different worksheets plus other student notes aswell. because of this, I tend to put off doing my notes.
any suggestions for this problem? I know that each of my resources are pretty valuable and of quality but it's just too much. but I don't know which to cut out.
I've thought of some suggestions but could really do with some help! :)
1. reading through each of my resources and picking the chunks of information and putting them onto one word document and then work from there?
2. eliminate the older textbook(s)
3. stop using past student notes (but they're so helpful!?)
cheers in advance! ;D
-
how many different resources should you be looking at when creating notes?
for example, when I create my biology notes; I lookat two textbooks, two sets of class notes, a heap of different worksheets plus other student notes aswell. because of this, I tend to put off doing my notes.
any suggestions for this problem? I know that each of my resources are pretty valuable and of quality but it's just too much. but I don't know which to cut out.
I've thought of some suggestions but could really do with some help! :)
1. reading through each of my resources and picking the chunks of information and putting them onto one word document and then work from there?
2. eliminate the older textbook(s)
3. stop using past student notes (but they're so helpful!?)
cheers in advance! ;D
Hey there!! I know your pain, I had a similar issue when writing my study notes in the HSC; how the hell do you write them just from one resource? ;D
I would personally (and this is what I did) be writing your notes from one resource of each type (pick your favourite). One set of class notes, one textbook, and one extra set of notes of your choice. You may want to use one of our $25 HSC Note Sets for that extra set because they are guaranteed quality and guaranteed succinct (sorry for the advertisement) ;) past student notes are great, but they are a secondary source, so keep that in mind ;D
That said, using them correctly is important too! I used to do 3 sweeps, one with each of the resources, beginning with the least comprehensive. So, start with your class notes, and write from there. Then, go through with the student notes and add anything else you think useful. Then finish with the textbook. That's what I did and it worked pretty well ;D
That said, remember notes should be concise. Textbooks normally have way too much information, try to keep your notes accessible enough to study within a reasonable amount of time ;D
-
You may want to use one of our $25 HSC Note Sets for that extra set because they are guaranteed quality and guaranteed succinct (sorry for the advertisement) ;) past student notes are great, but they are a secondary source, so keep that in mind
Firstly i ditto what Jamon says about getting the notes, they are superb value at just $25. However, these should not be the only notes you use. Also, notes should not just be page after page on paper- you will not remember slabs of information as well as key dot points and words (its scientifically proven ;D) Consider some of these ways if you just want to use paper:
-Diagrams
-Pictures
-Flow Charts
-Colour Code
However, you may be like me and simply cannot stare at a wad of paper all day and expect to learn something from it. Try these creative ideas and see if one works for you :)
- -challenge friends via kahoot or have some sort of competition- really fun way to learn as noone wants to come last! Jeopardy, fill in the blank, 60 seconds are all great games to play!
- -flash/palm cards (these are great for definitions or terminology)
- -mnemonics(my personal favourite- just make sure you can remember them- it could be about a teacher you dont like, a friend you make fun of or something just so absurd it sticks in your head) Consider this: I am in Year 3 learning my colours of the rainbow and a way to remember it that I've never forgotten is Ran Over Your Garbage Bin In Vegas (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet). Needless to say 9 years later I can still remember it with pin point accuracy
- -Don't want to study? Don't then! Just stick post it notes all around the house, on your door, your desk, your phone cover, the shower, your mirror anywhere that you can think of! Youll be surprised how much you can recall from this. I'll use another example (oh here you go you're thinking but ill promise itll relate eventually :p). There is only one way to get to the bathroom from my room and thats down a long corridor/hallway. I tend to read things and like 99% of the population, don't get up until the sun is well and truly up so it is light. I put each paragraph of my essay on that wall leading down the hallway, and my exam was 3 weeks away. I only wrote it out once to see if I could in the time limit and hey presto! I get in the exam and remember it word for word.
- -My final one ( yes, last one I promise) is not to have any notes at all but key terms and a container/hat. Negotiate with yourself how many you will pull out of a hat (one at a time and make it more than 3 ;)) and spend 3 or so minutes writing down everything you know that will relate to this. This is actually a really effective way to study as you don't know what will be asked next, and you will know immediately if you dont know something. I also kept a tally on how many times a card got drawn out so I knew if it was higher than the rest its time for a good shuffle but you dont have to do that :)
Finally rant over! Thank goodness I wasn't writing this out on paper otherwise half of NSW's koalas wouldve had to migrate ;D. There is just a few options up there for studying so try and think of some more. Sure everyone has to study but why not make it fun? Anyway, just my input. Take it or leave it :)
-
^ awesome post studybuddy77 :D keep it up!!
-
^ awesome post studybuddy77 :D keep it up!!
Thanks :) couldnt even begin to meet your length, detail and depth of knowledge though, good job ;D
-
Hey there!! I know your pain, I had a similar issue when writing my study notes in the HSC; how the hell do you write them just from one resource? ;D
I would personally (and this is what I did) be writing your notes from one resource of each type (pick your favourite). One set of class notes, one textbook, and one extra set of notes of your choice. You may want to use one of our $25 HSC Note Sets for that extra set because they are guaranteed quality and guaranteed succinct (sorry for the advertisement) ;) past student notes are great, but they are a secondary source, so keep that in mind ;D
That said, using them correctly is important too! I used to do 3 sweeps, one with each of the resources, beginning with the least comprehensive. So, start with your class notes, and write from there. Then, go through with the student notes and add anything else you think useful. Then finish with the textbook. That's what I did and it worked pretty well ;D
That said, remember notes should be concise. Textbooks normally have way too much information, try to keep your notes accessible enough to study within a reasonable amount of time ;D
sounds like a plan! thanks jamon :D
-
Firstly i ditto what Jamon says about getting the notes, they are superb value at just $25. However, these should not be the only notes you use. Also, notes should not just be page after page on paper- you will not remember slabs of information as well as key dot points and words (its scientifically proven ;D) Consider some of these ways if you just want to use paper:
-Diagrams
-Pictures
-Flow Charts
-Colour Code
However, you may be like me and simply cannot stare at a wad of paper all day and expect to learn something from it. Try these creative ideas and see if one works for you :)
- -challenge friends via kahoot or have some sort of competition- really fun way to learn as noone wants to come last! Jeopardy, fill in the blank, 60 seconds are all great games to play!
- -flash/palm cards (these are great for definitions or terminology)
- -mnemonics(my personal favourite- just make sure you can remember them- it could be about a teacher you dont like, a friend you make fun of or something just so absurd it sticks in your head) Consider this: I am in Year 3 learning my colours of the rainbow and a way to remember it that I've never forgotten is Ran Over Your Garbage Bin In Vegas (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet). Needless to say 9 years later I can still remember it with pin point accuracy
- -Don't want to study? Don't then! Just stick post it notes all around the house, on your door, your desk, your phone cover, the shower, your mirror anywhere that you can think of! Youll be surprised how much you can recall from this. I'll use another example (oh here you go you're thinking but ill promise itll relate eventually :p). There is only one way to get to the bathroom from my room and thats down a long corridor/hallway. I tend to read things and like 99% of the population, don't get up until the sun is well and truly up so it is light. I put each paragraph of my essay on that wall leading down the hallway, and my exam was 3 weeks away. I only wrote it out once to see if I could in the time limit and hey presto! I get in the exam and remember it word for word.
- -My final one ( yes, last one I promise) is not to have any notes at all but key terms and a container/hat. Negotiate with yourself how many you will pull out of a hat (one at a time and make it more than 3 ;)) and spend 3 or so minutes writing down everything you know that will relate to this. This is actually a really effective way to study as you don't know what will be asked next, and you will know immediately if you dont know something. I also kept a tally on how many times a card got drawn out so I knew if it was higher than the rest its time for a good shuffle but you dont have to do that :)
Finally rant over! Thank goodness I wasn't writing this out on paper otherwise half of NSW's koalas wouldve had to migrate ;D. There is just a few options up there for studying so try and think of some more. Sure everyone has to study but why not make it fun? Anyway, just my input. Take it or leave it :)
woaaah this is so good! I might finally try some of these out. thankyou :D and good luck! :)
-
Firstly i ditto what Jamon says about getting the notes, they are superb value at just $25. However, these should not be the only notes you use. Also, notes should not just be page after page on paper- you will not remember slabs of information as well as key dot points and words (its scientifically proven ;D) Consider some of these ways if you just want to use paper:
-Diagrams
-Pictures
-Flow Charts
-Colour Code
However, you may be like me and simply cannot stare at a wad of paper all day and expect to learn something from it. Try these creative ideas and see if one works for you :)
- -challenge friends via kahoot or have some sort of competition- really fun way to learn as noone wants to come last! Jeopardy, fill in the blank, 60 seconds are all great games to play!
- -flash/palm cards (these are great for definitions or terminology)
- -mnemonics(my personal favourite- just make sure you can remember them- it could be about a teacher you dont like, a friend you make fun of or something just so absurd it sticks in your head) Consider this: I am in Year 3 learning my colours of the rainbow and a way to remember it that I've never forgotten is Ran Over Your Garbage Bin In Vegas (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet). Needless to say 9 years later I can still remember it with pin point accuracy
- -Don't want to study? Don't then! Just stick post it notes all around the house, on your door, your desk, your phone cover, the shower, your mirror anywhere that you can think of! Youll be surprised how much you can recall from this. I'll use another example (oh here you go you're thinking but ill promise itll relate eventually :p). There is only one way to get to the bathroom from my room and thats down a long corridor/hallway. I tend to read things and like 99% of the population, don't get up until the sun is well and truly up so it is light. I put each paragraph of my essay on that wall leading down the hallway, and my exam was 3 weeks away. I only wrote it out once to see if I could in the time limit and hey presto! I get in the exam and remember it word for word.
- -My final one ( yes, last one I promise) is not to have any notes at all but key terms and a container/hat. Negotiate with yourself how many you will pull out of a hat (one at a time and make it more than 3 ;)) and spend 3 or so minutes writing down everything you know that will relate to this. This is actually a really effective way to study as you don't know what will be asked next, and you will know immediately if you dont know something. I also kept a tally on how many times a card got drawn out so I knew if it was higher than the rest its time for a good shuffle but you dont have to do that :)
Finally rant over! Thank goodness I wasn't writing this out on paper otherwise half of NSW's koalas wouldve had to migrate ;D. There is just a few options up there for studying so try and think of some more. Sure everyone has to study but why not make it fun? Anyway, just my input. Take it or leave it :)
I agree with this, 100%.
I also HIGHLY recommend explaining concepts randomly to your friends! (my friends usually appreciate these moments, because apparently I don't talk much :D )
-
Firstly i ditto what Jamon says about getting the notes, they are superb value at just $25. However, these should not be the only notes you use. Also, notes should not just be page after page on paper- you will not remember slabs of information as well as key dot points and words (its scientifically proven ;D) Consider some of these ways if you just want to use paper:
-Diagrams
-Pictures
-Flow Charts
-Colour Code
However, you may be like me and simply cannot stare at a wad of paper all day and expect to learn something from it. Try these creative ideas and see if one works for you :)
- -challenge friends via kahoot or have some sort of competition- really fun way to learn as noone wants to come last! Jeopardy, fill in the blank, 60 seconds are all great games to play!
- -flash/palm cards (these are great for definitions or terminology)
- -mnemonics(my personal favourite- just make sure you can remember them- it could be about a teacher you dont like, a friend you make fun of or something just so absurd it sticks in your head) Consider this: I am in Year 3 learning my colours of the rainbow and a way to remember it that I've never forgotten is Ran Over Your Garbage Bin In Vegas (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet). Needless to say 9 years later I can still remember it with pin point accuracy
- -Don't want to study? Don't then! Just stick post it notes all around the house, on your door, your desk, your phone cover, the shower, your mirror anywhere that you can think of! Youll be surprised how much you can recall from this. I'll use another example (oh here you go you're thinking but ill promise itll relate eventually :p). There is only one way to get to the bathroom from my room and thats down a long corridor/hallway. I tend to read things and like 99% of the population, don't get up until the sun is well and truly up so it is light. I put each paragraph of my essay on that wall leading down the hallway, and my exam was 3 weeks away. I only wrote it out once to see if I could in the time limit and hey presto! I get in the exam and remember it word for word.
- -My final one ( yes, last one I promise) is not to have any notes at all but key terms and a container/hat. Negotiate with yourself how many you will pull out of a hat (one at a time and make it more than 3 ;)) and spend 3 or so minutes writing down everything you know that will relate to this. This is actually a really effective way to study as you don't know what will be asked next, and you will know immediately if you dont know something. I also kept a tally on how many times a card got drawn out so I knew if it was higher than the rest its time for a good shuffle but you dont have to do that :)
Finally rant over! Thank goodness I wasn't writing this out on paper otherwise half of NSW's koalas wouldve had to migrate ;D. There is just a few options up there for studying so try and think of some more. Sure everyone has to study but why not make it fun? Anyway, just my input. Take it or leave it :)
Good stuff mate. Keep it up.
-
woaaah this is so good! I might finally try some of these out. thankyou :D and good luck! :)
Thanks it means a lot :D and good luck to you too! If I think of any more ill be sure to add them, but I definitely think there is more to study than looking at a book!
One more thing: Record yourself doing hilarious impersenations of voices or get an app that changes your voice into a chipmunk or something and play it over and over. Better yet, use ditty (80 character limit however) and ditty (Available on the App Store and google play i think?) and she will convert it into a song for you! Otherwise just make your own parodies/search for cheesy cringing videos on youtube you know you secretly love em, and they stay in your head
-
Good stuff mate. Keep it up.
I agree with this, 100%.
I also HIGHLY recommend explaining concepts randomly to your friends! (my friends usually appreciate these moments, because apparently I don't talk much :D )
Thanks all! Geez its hard keeping up with my fan mail ;). I agree with sweetiepi. Explain random concepts/dot points to people that do not know the topic (or even those that do), they will ask you questions and you'll be able to (hopefully) answer them. This furthers not only your understanding of the topic but increases their knowledge bank too!
Thanks for all the feedback and amazing strategies you guys are posting :D👍🏼
-
Firstly i ditto what Jamon says about getting the notes, they are superb value at just $25. However, these should not be the only notes you use. Also, notes should not just be page after page on paper- you will not remember slabs of information as well as key dot points and words (its scientifically proven ;D) Consider some of these ways if you just want to use paper:
-Diagrams
-Pictures
-Flow Charts
-Colour Code
However, you may be like me and simply cannot stare at a wad of paper all day and expect to learn something from it. Try these creative ideas and see if one works for you :)
- -challenge friends via kahoot or have some sort of competition- really fun way to learn as noone wants to come last! Jeopardy, fill in the blank, 60 seconds are all great games to play!
- -flash/palm cards (these are great for definitions or terminology)
- -mnemonics(my personal favourite- just make sure you can remember them- it could be about a teacher you dont like, a friend you make fun of or something just so absurd it sticks in your head) Consider this: I am in Year 3 learning my colours of the rainbow and a way to remember it that I've never forgotten is Ran Over Your Garbage Bin In Vegas (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet). Needless to say 9 years later I can still remember it with pin point accuracy
- -Don't want to study? Don't then! Just stick post it notes all around the house, on your door, your desk, your phone cover, the shower, your mirror anywhere that you can think of! Youll be surprised how much you can recall from this. I'll use another example (oh here you go you're thinking but ill promise itll relate eventually :p). There is only one way to get to the bathroom from my room and thats down a long corridor/hallway. I tend to read things and like 99% of the population, don't get up until the sun is well and truly up so it is light. I put each paragraph of my essay on that wall leading down the hallway, and my exam was 3 weeks away. I only wrote it out once to see if I could in the time limit and hey presto! I get in the exam and remember it word for word.
- -My final one ( yes, last one I promise) is not to have any notes at all but key terms and a container/hat. Negotiate with yourself how many you will pull out of a hat (one at a time and make it more than 3 ;)) and spend 3 or so minutes writing down everything you know that will relate to this. This is actually a really effective way to study as you don't know what will be asked next, and you will know immediately if you dont know something. I also kept a tally on how many times a card got drawn out so I knew if it was higher than the rest its time for a good shuffle but you dont have to do that :)
Finally rant over! Thank goodness I wasn't writing this out on paper otherwise half of NSW's koalas wouldve had to migrate ;D. There is just a few options up there for studying so try and think of some more. Sure everyone has to study but why not make it fun? Anyway, just my input. Take it or leave it :)
I love some of these ideas!! Can definitely vouch for the sticky notes/posters everywhere. I had math formulas on the back of the bathroom door throughout September and October of 2014 ;) it is an amazing way to remember stuff without realising you are remembering stuff ;D
-
I love some of these ideas!! Can definitely vouch for the sticky notes/posters everywhere. I had math formulas on the back of the bathroom door throughout September and October of 2014 ;) it is an amazing way to remember stuff without realising you are remembering stuff ;D
Suddenly I remember back in 2014 when my wall was full of MX1.
-
Suddenly I remember back in 2014 when my wall was full of MX1.
Try waking up to the binomial theorem taped to the top of your mirror, it was fun times ;)
-
Try waking up to the binomial theorem taped to the top of your mirror, it was fun times ;)
Try waking up to see Mod A- Looking For Richard and Richard III staring you in the face as soon as you opened your eyes. I promise you it was not fun being constantly reminded that I had a Shakespeare essay due in a few weeks ;D
-
Try waking up to see Mod A- Looking For Richard and Richard III staring you in the face as soon as you opened your eyes. I promise you it was not fun being constantly reminded that I had a Shakespeare essay due in a few weeks ;D
My best friend stuck things to her bedroom ceiling! She'd wake up staring at them, and fall to sleep dreaming about them. #intense
-
Do you guys recommend posting stuff up on the wall?
I leave my wall blank so when I look at it it reminds me of the empty void created by year 12 and the emptiness that follows doesn't interrupt my chain of thought if I'm thinking and happen to look up at the wall
-
Do you guys recommend posting stuff up on the wall?
I leave my wall blank so when I look at it it reminds me of the empty void created by year 12 and the emptiness that follows doesn't interrupt my chain of thought if I'm thinking and happen to look up at the wall
I like the wall approach!! Away from where you do your study and homework, in places where it will just sink in subconsciously while you are say, brushing your teeth, or eating dinner. Definitely keep it away from places where it might interrupt your regular workflow ;D
-
Do you guys recommend posting stuff up on the wall?
I leave my wall blank so when I look at it it reminds me of the empty void created by year 12 and the emptiness that follows doesn't interrupt my chain of thought if I'm thinking and happen to look up at the wall
I don't generally use the wall approach much, but it's probably a matter of taste. I put some reference materials up on the wall beside my desk, but never full-text because I find it's really cluttered and tbh I can't read it anywhere else unless I wear my glasses anyway so it just becomes more of a hinder than a help. I have a few picture-y things around (maps, diagrams, mind-maps/brainstorms, etc.) but for how I use them it's just as efficient to just use a notebook.
-
My best friend stuck things to her bedroom ceiling! She'd wake up staring at them, and fall to sleep dreaming about them. #intense
#intense indeed! I never have known someone so devoteddesperate to getting great marks!! That would drive me crazy and I would not be able to sleep at night with my study notes and essays to remember always above me when I sleep and wake! But would be a good thing to do if you can ;D
-
Do you guys recommend posting stuff up on the wall?
I leave my wall blank so when I look at it it reminds me of the empty void created by year 12 and the emptiness that follows doesn't interrupt my chain of thought if I'm thinking and happen to look up at the wall
I only do it for things that I know I will need for like ever and things that I constantly forget. For e.g. , I always forget what nano and mega and giga stand for so I stuck it on my laptop. Now I know that nano= 10^-9 , M= 10^6 and G= 10^9 :)
( i hope I actually got those correct... )
-
Do you guys recommend posting stuff up on the wall?
I leave my wall blank so when I look at it it reminds me of the empty void created by year 12 and the emptiness that follows doesn't interrupt my chain of thought if I'm thinking and happen to look up at the wall
Why restrict yourself to the walls in your study?
I stuck a bunch of Medea quotes all around the house when I did it at the start of this year and I'm still finding quotes in random places when I least expect it. I'd say that it's a nice surprise but I hated Medea so much I can't even. In addition to that, got Legal notes scattered everywhere and bits and pieces from my other subjects that I've stuck onto the walls of my study, bedroom, living room, dining room and my brothers' and parents' bedroom doors. I've even got some random idea I wanted to use for some Literature essay scribbled in lipstick on my bathroom mirror...
There's a system to my madness tho, I promise.
At this stage, I think the only place that hasn't been covered at some point with notes is the ceiling and that's cuz our ceilings are too high and I'm too short... :(
-
Why restrict yourself to the walls in your study?
I stuck a bunch of Medea quotes all around the house when I did it at the start of this year and I'm still finding quotes in random places when I least expect it. I'd say that it's a nice surprise but I hated Medea so much I can't even. In addition to that, got Legal notes scattered everywhere and bits and pieces from my other subjects that I've stuck onto the walls of my study, bedroom, living room, dining room and my brothers' and parents' bedroom doors. I've even got some random idea I wanted to use for some Literature essay scribbled in lipstick on my bathroom mirror...
There's a system to my madness tho, I promise.
At this stage, I think the only place that hasn't been covered at some point with notes is the ceiling and that's cuz our ceilings are too high and I'm too short... :(
^^^This one though ^^^ If there's ever a paper shortage at least I'll know where to find some now :p
-
Different strokes for different folks. If you do write your notes by single dot points, it is important that you show how this dot point links to other dot points (which may even be in different topics!) Often in HSC / trials now the bigger mark questions encompass more than one dot point, so you must show how things link. (I believe this is what the extended response question is trying to test you on)
-
The syllabus is your best friend! My advice (It honestly depends on the subject) But flashcards are great for sciences, and summary notes are great if you do them by the syllabus. Then start doing practice questions and papers. Also don't forget to make them personalised, so use acronyms or something to help you remember important key terms :)
-
using colour is helpful :P
-
I have a kinda silly question to ask, but is it alright to make 5 copies of notes on one module of either phys or chem (i.e. since there are 4 modules in physics and 4 modules in chemistry, I'm probably going to have 40 sets of notes altogether)
I'll explain, 1 set of notes is an indepth set of notes used to cover every single dotpoint to the level of depth required-for more understanding, one set of notes is a "summary notes" a shortened set of notes, one set of notes will be a "weaknesses notes" used for pinpointing my weaknesses, one set of notes will be for "concept maps/linking" for linking concepts together so then it's easier to draw links between certain concepts and answer those extended reponse questions and my final set of notes will be "extended response notes" where I will be making up certain extended reponse questions with a marking criteria and will be writing up responses in order to get more marks for the extended reponse questions
WHat does everyone think of this? Yes I know it's a lot and a little bit crazy but I think I will benefit from this, rewriting my notes 5 times in one module, 40 times throughout the year
-
I have a kinda silly question to ask, but is it alright to make 5 copies of notes on one module of either phys or chem (i.e. since there are 4 modules in physics and 4 modules in chemistry, I'm probably going to have 40 sets of notes altogether)
I'll explain, 1 set of notes is an indepth set of notes used to cover every single dotpoint to the level of depth required-for more understanding, one set of notes is a "summary notes" a shortened set of notes, one set of notes will be a "weaknesses notes" used for pinpointing my weaknesses, one set of notes will be for "concept maps/linking" for linking concepts together so then it's easier to draw links between certain concepts and answer those extended reponse questions and my final set of notes will be "extended response notes" where I will be making up certain extended reponse questions with a marking criteria and will be writing up responses in order to get more marks for the extended reponse questions
WHat does everyone think of this? Yes I know it's a lot and a little bit crazy but I think I will benefit from this, rewriting my notes 5 times in one module, 40 times throughout the year
Nothing wrong with it but a) if you do so you need to get them done ASAP because otherwise you completely drain out valuable time spent on past papers and b) whether or not you actually use all of them is also an important question. Take the weakness one - I just annotated my summary notes to indicate where my weaknesses were.
Also I never had notes explicitly for concept linking. I did that myself in my head
-
Nothing wrong with it but a) if you do so you need to get them done ASAP because otherwise you completely drain out valuable time spent on past papers and b) whether or not you actually use all of them is also an important question. Take the weakness one - I just annotated my summary notes to indicate where my weaknesses were.
Also I never had notes explicitly for concept linking. I did that myself in my head
I'm probably going to have to make it from 5 to 4 then. 1 will be more "super detailed info", one will be for "summary", one will be for weaknesses and one will be for concept linking and extended reponses (as concept linking is crucial for extended responses)
I'll probably have 32 notes by the end of the HSC then.
I thought of another idea, if I did super detailed notes with some summaries highlighted there (instead of having two different set of notes i.e. super detailed notes and one set of notes for summaries), one for weaknesses and one for concept linking (as it links quite well to extended responses) would that be better than having 5 sets of notes?
I'm not sure because I feel every single bit of slightest detail is important as it can help you gain one extra mark in the HSC
Would probably save me a lot of time
-
I'm probably going to have to make it from 5 to 4 then. 1 will be more "super detailed info", one will be for "summary", one will be for weaknesses and one will be for concept linking and extended reponses (as concept linking is crucial for extended responses)
I'll probably have 32 notes by the end of the HSC then.
I thought of another idea, if I did super detailed notes with some summaries highlighted there (instead of having two different set of notes i.e. super detailed notes and one set of notes for summaries), one for weaknesses and one for concept linking (as it links quite well to extended responses) would that be better than having 5 sets of notes?
I'm not sure because I feel every single bit of slightest detail is important as it can help you gain one extra mark in the HSC
Would probably save me a lot of time
Feel free to do that all that if you think its going to help your understanding, however a lot of time can be saved by having a solid set of notes and then doing past papers and practise questions which help to link concepts, identify weaknesses and practise extended responses all in one. If you mark/edit practise questions you do and then keep them (maybe even put them in a nice display folder) you'll be able to look back and learn from them as the year goes on.
Succinct summaries (like the technique Jake recommends) would probably be more useful towards Trials next year so you will have copious amounts of time to figure out what works for you.
One mark in the HSC exam is not worth 32 sets of notes, if I was you I'd go insane by next year.
-
Feel free to do that all that if you think its going to help your understanding, however a lot of time can be saved by having a solid set of notes and then doing past papers and practise questions which help to link concepts, identify weaknesses and practise extended responses all in one. If you mark/edit practise questions you do and then keep them (maybe even put them in a nice display folder) you'll be able to look back and learn from them as the year goes on.
Succinct summaries (like the technique Jake recommends) would probably be more useful towards Trials next year so you will have copious amounts of time to figure out what works for you.
One mark in the HSC exam is not worth 32 sets of notes, if I was you I'd go insane by next year.
Thanks Ssarahj
I thought that in one module, I'd have 1 set of notes which was used for indepth info and for understanding (with highlighted summaries so then I can have a summarised set of notes as well as an indepth set of notes all in one), a weaknesses notes and a concept maps and extended response notes
Before yr 12 starts, I will be making my notes which are indepth and the concept maps/extended response notes and then apply them to past/practice papers
Throughout year 12, I will be including relevant summary notes in my indepth notes and will be making my weaknesses notes throughout the year to ensure I do not forget relevant content throughout the year
Also how do we buy the ATARNOTES notes? Like are they sold at UTS?
-
Thanks Ssarahj
I thought that in one module, I'd have 1 set of notes which was used for indepth info and for understanding (with highlighted summaries so then I can have a summarised set of notes as well as an indepth set of notes all in one), a weaknesses notes and a concept maps and extended response notes
Before yr 12 starts, I will be making my notes which are indepth and the concept maps/extended response notes and then apply them to past/practice papers
Throughout year 12, I will be including relevant summary notes in my indepth notes and will be making my weaknesses notes throughout the year to ensure I do not forget relevant content throughout the year
Also how do we buy the ATARNOTES notes? Like are they sold at UTS?
You can buy them online just click on the Shop part at the top of this website! :)
-
You can buy them online just click on the Shop part at the top of this website! :)
You can also buy them at the UTS lectures if you please as well. Good place to buy them as you can preview them before you buy, because after all the devils in the detail ;D
Bought mine at the lectures and they are amazing!
-
Just curious but how do I summarise my notes. I have trouble doing that. I feel every single tiny bit of detail is important but at the same time, having summary notes is so crucial when revising
Like I said, I'm going to have my super detailed set of notes and highlight the "summaries"?
-
Just curious but how do I summarise my notes. I have trouble doing that. I feel every single tiny bit of detail is important but at the same time, having summary notes is so crucial when revising
Like I said, I'm going to have my super detailed set of notes and highlight the "summaries"?
Hey conic! Doing this before you learn the content (and perhaps do some tests/assignments) will be near impossible, particularly for the sciences where you could fairly easily have 300 pages of relevant information :P you need to actually do some of it to know what you need and what you don't. My advice would be to ask yourself the question: How much do you think you can realistically remember? That should provide a benchmark.
As an indicator, even the most detailed of my study notes never exceeded 100 pages, and personally that was way too long. I had my Legal Studies course summarised on 10 pages (generous font/sizing, its the ones in the notes section) and I studied that in the lead up to the exam!!
Really long notes are useless if they aren't concise enough to use as a resource later in the piece. So, your other option is to start detailed, then remove as you go? :)
-
Hey conic! Doing this before you learn the content (and perhaps do some tests/assignments) will be near impossible, particularly for the sciences where you could fairly easily have 300 pages of relevant information :P you need to actually do some of it to know what you need and what you don't. My advice would be to ask yourself the question: How much do you think you can realistically remember? That should provide a benchmark.
As an indicator, even the most detailed of my study notes never exceeded 100 pages, and personally that was way too long. I had my Legal Studies course summarised on 10 pages (generous font/sizing, its the ones in the notes section) and I studied that in the lead up to the exam!!
Really long notes are useless if they aren't concise enough to use as a resource later in the piece. So, your other option is to start detailed, then remove as you go? :)
What if I use past students notes, textbooks and research notes?
-
What if I use past students notes, textbooks and research notes?
Students notes could help you get an idea about how much detail is necessary! But doing the content for yourself is still the best way to get that understanding, there is only so much you can do in early prep ;D
-
Students notes could help you get an idea about how much detail is necessary! But doing the content for yourself is still the best way to get that understanding, there is only so much you can do in early prep ;D
MEh I might as well still write my notes as early as possible, so then I can save time throughout the year
Jamon, do you think it's a great idea to write my notes 3 times (i.e. one super detailed notes with neccessary summaries, weaknesses notes and "concept maps" with sample extended responses)?
I'll probably have yo write my "super detailed notes" before we start the HSC course and then a week-2 before class, I'll try to make my "concept maps" with sample extended responses notes and then after we learn the content, I'll write my "weaknesses notes"
How does that sound?
I'll probably have to make them during my free periods at school (if I have any by next year)
-
What if I use past students notes, textbooks and research notes?
Adding on to Jamon here - don't forget that you will most likely write, rewrite, and edit your notes several times throughout the year. You don't have to get them done perfectly and early on. In fact, writing study notes is a form of study in itself (at least, it was for me), so there's no stress about getting in early. Staying on top of it is a major advantage, but you don't necessarily have to be ahead in notes. And, bringing in all kinds of sources to your notes, like textbooks, past student notes, online resources, etc, is all super valuable - as long as it means something to you and your understanding of the topic.
-
Adding on to Jamon here - don't forget that you will most likely write, rewrite, and edit your notes several times throughout the year. You don't have to get them done perfectly and early on. In fact, writing study notes is a form of study in itself (at least, it was for me), so there's no stress about getting in early. Staying on top of it is a major advantage, but you don't necessarily have to be ahead in notes. And, bringing in all kinds of sources to your notes, like textbooks, past student notes, online resources, etc, is all super valuable - as long as it means something to you and your understanding of the topic.
Thanks Elyse
Also Jamon (Jake and Ruiace), I just wanna add but the practicals are going to be part of my notes (i.e. my super indepth notes with summaries) and my weaknesses notes (i.e. since I'm crap at science pracs)
As for concept mapping and extended response, well I don't know how that fits in that category other than that there will be a question where you are required to assess the validity, accuracy and reliability of the experiment
How should I integrate my practical notes into my concept mapping notes?
Also is it necessary to make "english notes" (i.e. essay paragraphs that you're going to memorise and adapt to the new essay question, TEE tables with quotes, neccessary analysis of texts, sample essays, etc)
-
Thanks Elyse
Also Jamon (Jake and Ruiace), I just wanna add but the practicals are going to be part of my notes (i.e. my super indepth notes with summaries) and my weaknesses notes (i.e. since I'm crap at science pracs)
As for concept mapping and extended response, well I don't know how that fits in that category other than that there will be a question where you are required to assess the validity, accuracy and reliability of the experiment
How should I integrate my practical notes into my concept mapping notes?
Also is it necessary to make "english notes" (i.e. essay paragraphs that you're going to memorise and adapt to the new essay question, TEE tables with quotes, neccessary analysis of texts, sample essays, etc)
Your notes should include whatever you want them to include, however you want to include them. If you want to write notes for English, do that.
-
Thanks Elyse
Also Jamon (Jake and Ruiace), I just wanna add but the practicals are going to be part of my notes (i.e. my super indepth notes with summaries) and my weaknesses notes (i.e. since I'm crap at science pracs)
As for concept mapping and extended response, well I don't know how that fits in that category other than that there will be a question where you are required to assess the validity, accuracy and reliability of the experiment
How should I integrate my practical notes into my concept mapping notes?
Also is it necessary to make "english notes" (i.e. essay paragraphs that you're going to memorise and adapt to the new essay question, TEE tables with quotes, neccessary analysis of texts, sample essays, etc)
Go for it. Add the pracs.
Those three points on validity/accuracy/reliability, I either jot some points (small ideas) down or I use my brain and work it out on the day. Not worth it to be memorised.
-
Basically, taking notes is about collecting, combining, and summarising information from a lot of different places.
The steps look something like:
- Read something
- Decide which bits are the key bits, stripping out the less important stuff, and write/type out those key bits
- Simplify those key bits into easier and shorter language
- Read another source, and add in any extra information from it
- Organise into logical order and update at all times
- ... Repeat.
Here's some ideas of what I think are important features of good notes (and examine how other people's good notes do it!):
Concise
Your notes are full of little gold nuggets, the core pieces of information you need to know and understand to score full marks on the exam. Don't hide them in fluff and feathers (i.e. lots of unnecessary words and irrelevant information).
- cut anything only semi-relevant or too detailed
- condense it into dot points or numbered lists
- strip out filler words and full sentences
- honestly, textbooks often say things a ridiculously roundabout way - think a few times about how to say the same thing short and simple; this also helps you 'get' what it's talking about
Accurate
Double check that your summary actually says what the original source said, and get your teacher to give them a quick go-ahead... nothing worse than learning the wrong info for the exam because you recorded it incorrectly in your notes! Google and ATARNotes together should iron out most of your problems, if you want.
Evolving
I see each subject like a 1000-piece puzzle - your understanding of it is shaped by tiny pieces of information captured from a million different places (teachers, ATAR Notes forums, revision lectures, youtube, Googling, textbooks, Khan Academy, other people's notes, etc.) It's your job to fit them together into one jigsaw puzzle - but this takes time.
So constantly add, move, organise, merge and chop throughout the year. Don't give up and let it stagnate once you've got 150 pieces laid out. As you find more info, add it in; and gradually simplify and improve conciseness and order, over time.
Unique
When you just straight copy-paste, it lets you record stuff you don't understand. You don't have to process, digest, think and internalise the information. If you turn it into your own words, simplify it, rearrange it, and flesh out bits you didn't get, so it makes sense to you - you'll actually remember what it was all about. One of the most effective study methods I know of.
Structured
- use bold, clear headings (Word's inbuilt ones are super easy to use!)
- try to make the order logical
- syllabus dot-points make great headings/structure
- ordered bullet points and numbered lists are often easier and clearer than blobs of text and full paragraphs/sentences
Clear
- decently large and clear font size
- dot points and spacing after paragraphs (again word's inbuilt spacing after paragraphs is amazing), rather than unreadable walls of text
- clean, simple and consistent
Also include images and diagrams!!! Add colour to emphasise certain points too :)
-
I used to hand write notes but now i type, does anyone see any problems with this??? i find it more neat and editable
-
I used to hand write notes but now i type, does anyone see any problems with this??? i find it more neat and editable
Nahh, I typed all of mine in the HSC, and still do for university. Much to my Physics teachers' dismay, because she was big on handwriting for memory retention ;)
I do memorise things more readily when I handwrite. But for me, if I want to be able to revisit old content, I want something neat, and further, something really easy to update. Electronic copies just suited my needs more :) remember to actually do some writing when exams get close though ;)
-
I used to hand write notes but now i type, does anyone see any problems with this??? i find it more neat and editable
My main form of study, for Legal especially, was rewriting my study notes. So I'd actually go from typed, to written, to typed. Each time I was editing the notes, getting rid of useless stuff and adding in extra stuff. Naturally, it's easier to edit typed notes than it is written notes! :)