Lecture Cool Down - St Thomas University

Before you begin that afternoon study session, there are a couple things you should do. You’ve written your notes, now let’s polish them.

Missing Something?

Professors can talk and talk quickly
Check your notes for missing or incomplete information
You may have been able to only half complete a concept before you instructor moved on to the next topic
If this happens *(star) your notes in that spot
Then you can ask your instructor after class, or get the information from your textbook
Do this as soon as possible, as having a good understanding of a lecture will help you understand the next one
This also means you won’t be one of the students who is asking the instructor for clarification come test time. You’ve already done this, so while they’re asking, you are studying

You won’t understand everything an instructor tells you at first… and that’s okay!
Be sure to set aside some time to review your notes, preferably sooner than later
Take this time to put the information into your own words. Or, reorganize/structure your notes so they make better sense and all related information is in the same place
And the wonderful thing about doing this is you are studying
Organizing notes helps with recalling information
And making information meaningful helps you learn it deeply