Memory Margin: Notetaking: Study Skills by James M. Deem

Notetaking:
Memory Margin

Listening well and notetaking are good foundations for learning in any lecture class. A few students may be able to stick to these two basic skills and succeed without doing much else. They are most likely auditory learners, who have special strengths when it comes to remembering what they have heard.
Most other students, however, will probably need to add on a step or two to make sure they learn the material covered in class. Converting the informal outline technique into a notetaking system requires only a few small changes in notetaking procedures and some extra time for studying.
1. Adapt your notebook, by drawing (or imagining) a margin line 3 inches from the left side of each page. The right hand side will be the note column, the left hand side becomes the memory margin.
2. Take notes using the informal outline in the area to the right of the margin. You will fill in the memory margin after class.
3. As soon as you can after class, reread your notes and prepare to fill-in the left hand column.
4. To the left of each block of notes (that is, each main idea), do one of the following:

QUESTION

   KEY WORD

Write a question answered by the notes in that block. If a block contains more information than one question can answer, write two (or even more) questions. Write a key word--a word by that triggers in your memory the material contained in the block of notes. Key words are like labels that haven't been turned into questions.


Notice that the notes are the same in both cases, only the Memory Margin is different. Using questions or key words in the memory margin is a matter of personal preference. Which one will help you learn the material better?
5. Cover the note column with a sheet of paper and quiz yourself. Read each question or key word. Then either recite or write the answers the question or goes with the key word. If you give the correct answer, go on to the next question. If you have difficulty, reread the block of notes beside the question; then cover your notes and try again.

Here are examples of both types of memory margin:

THE MEMORY MARGIN

Number of columns = 2
Format = Q/A or Key Word

Question Advantages = encourages students to think about notes as answers to questions. Helps prepare students for exams. Good for difficult courses.

Key Word Advantages = encourages students to categorize and organize their notes. Helps prepare students for exams. Good for difficult courses.

Question and Key Word Disadvantages = time-consuming method. May be more work than required to succeed in some courses.

EXAMPLE OF NOTES USING QUESTIONS IN THE MEMORY MARGIN
Prof. Cohen strat = strategy Psych app = approach 2/11 avoid = avoidance
What is coping?	Coping = how person tries to deal
	with stress

What are 2 coping strats?	2 coping strats (Roth & Cohen):
	1. approach
	2. avoidance

What is app strat?	App strat = handle threat directly
	usually by control
What is avoid strat?	Avoid strat = avoid it, by ignoring
	or escaping

What factors do you use	App or avoid?
to select a coping strat?	1: be selective
	2: be efficient

EXAMPLE OF NOTES USING KEY WORDS IN THE MEMORY MARGIN
Prof. Cohen strat = strategy Psych app = approach 2/11 avoid = avoidance
Def of coping	Coping = how person tries to deal
	with stress

2 coping strats	2 coping strats (Roth & Cohen):
	1. approach
	2. avoidance

1. app strat	App strat = handle threat directly
	usually by control
2. avoid strat	Avoid strat = avoid it, by ignoring
	or escaping

factors for selecting	App or avoid?
	1: be selective
	2: be efficient