Study Skills and Note Taking

In order to effectively study and take notes in class, it is important to know your learning style. The three main learning styles are Visual, Auditory, and Tactile.

You may find that different notetaking and study skills work better for you for different classes. Don’t be afraid to try different techniques! 

More information about Study Skills & Note Taking:

Apps for Improving Study Skills & Note Taking

Quizlet: Study Flashcards, Languages, Vocab & Math

Features:

  • Create flashcards for an upcoming exam with the ability to share with classmates. 
  • Test yourself with study games and formatted tests (true/false, matching, written) using the flashcards you made.
  • Makes studying a foreign language easier with 18 automatic language pronunciations.
  • The ability to identify flashcards that need further attention.
  • More information? Click Here

Cost: Free, (Upgrade to Quizlet Plus ($19.99/annually) features ad-free studying, extra help from Quizlet team)

Compatibility: iOS 9.0 or later, iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, Android.

 

Study Blue-Online Flashcards, Study Guides

Features:

  • Study virtually any topic with this on-the-go flashcard study aid
  • Create your own flash cards or use one of the over 150 million notes and cards already created by other uses
  • Test yourself and get your score of how many right and wrong, with the option to focus more on the items you don’t know
  • Study on the go using your mobile device
  • More Information? Click Here

Cost: Free

Compatibility: Web, iOS: iPad, iPhone, iPod touch; Android

 

Evernote

Features:

  • A one-stop place to collect notes, files, web clippings, and images with the ability to access them on virtually any device
  • Collect and find your information easily
  • Great tool for researching, planning events and everyday organizational use
  • Collaborate with others on projects using the sharing features
  • More Information? Click Here

Cost: Free

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, iOS: iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, Android

 

Microsoft OneNote

Features:

  • Take all your notes in OneNote by typing, writing with a touchscreen, importing pictures, video, web links and other resources
  • Divide up your classes and work by notebook, section, and pages
  • Using OneDrive online, share your OneNote document for others to work on and interact with
  • Search your notes for the ability to easily find what you need
  • More Information? Click Here

Cost: Free

Compatibility: iOS: iPad, iPhone, Android, Windows Phone

 

Tips on Effective Study Skills & Note Taking from a Former College Student

When it comes to studying and note taking in college, it’s important to know what type of learner you are. There are three main types of learning styles: visual, auditory, or tactile. It is also possible to be a combination of these depending on the information you are studying. Visual learners can study best by rewriting their notes, highlighting, color coordinating, reviewing diagrams, pictures, and using graphic organizers and flash cards to study. Auditory learners study best by recording lectures (with professor permission) and replaying, quizzing oneself with a partner, and repeating phrases out loud. Tactile learners benefit from studying that involves movement. Activities such as pacing and reading, running on the treadmill while studying, and taping your foot are all examples of how tactile learners retain information best. Trying out all of these learning styles to see how you best retain information is helpful towards learning how to best prepare for an exam. You can always learn from from yourself as well! When exams are handed back, try to ask yourself what went wrong and how you can better take notes and prepare next time. College is a time when we are constantly learning about ourselves and from ourselves. 

 

** Some resources made available from Augsburg College, Minneapolis, MN with the permission of Rachel Kruzel, Assistive Technology & Accommodations Specialist**