Summary Space: Notetaking: Study Skills by James M. Deem

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Notetaking:
Summary Space

Number of columns = n.a.
Format = Note summary

Advantages = condenses and translates notes into your own language which will help you remember the concepts better

Disadvantages = an additional step that takes time

How secure do you need to feel that you will learn the material presented in class? If you have any doubts at all, plan to add one more component to your basic notetaking method: The Summary Space.

As you take notes, leave a 2-inch space at the bottom of each page.
After class, read through your notes and summarize each page of notes in the summary space at the bottom.

On the last page of notes, summarize the entire lecture in a few sentences.

By writing a brief summary, you are translating the instructor's words and ideas into your own way of thinking. This translation process helps your memory retain the information better which will enable you to learn the material and recall it with ease on exams.

Here's an example of a summary space with Key Word notes:

EXAMPLE OF NOTES USING KEY WORD MEMORY MARGIN AND SUMMARY SPACE
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




Two ways to cope with stressful situations: approach (direct control) and avoidance. How to choose depends on person's ability to control and the time/energy needed.