Academic Skills

Lab Notes

Lab Notes consist of a typed, single-spaced page of information about what you learned in the lab activity. Notes can be in an outline form, follow the Cornell note-taking method, or a bullet-pointed list of facts, keywords, and relevant information.

Example of Notes:

Type of Lab: Internet Workshop

Topic of Lab: Time Management

Introduction:

Creating time management strategies can improve academic performance.
Because of many factors such as work and other responsibilities college students often use their time inefficiently.

Purpose:

Educate and bring to an awareness on where students waste their time instead of using it wisely in college.
Make better decisions and apply beneficial strategies.

Activity:

My list included Facebook, watching t.v., sleeping, browsing the Internet, and listening to music.

Time Management Quiz:

My score was a 6, meaning I do not spend my time as efficiently as I thought I would want to.

Steps to Improve Time Management:

1) Create a quarterly or semester schedule

2) Assess and plan your work load each week

3) Adjust your plan each day

4) Evaluate your schedule

Create Semester Schedule:

Helpful to identify when you are likely to have high academic demands and when you will have more flexibility for scheduling pleasurable activities. This can provide a balance in your schedule.

Assess and Plan Weekly Schedule:

It is important to estimate the length of a task to complete targeted goals.
Completion of tasks over the weekend can decrease cramping of tasks during the week.

Adjust Plan Every Day:

This provides a sense of accomplishment once you are able to cross out all the pending “to-dos” on the list.
Categorize tasks A, B, C in order of priority.

Example of Notes:

Type of Lab: Internet Workshop

Topic of Lab: Memory & Concentration

Introduction:	Concentration and Memory work together but one does not lead to the other. Good concentration will enhance memory. Goal: to practice skills that will improve our memory to enhance concentration
Activity:	I only memorized 6
Concentration Basics:	Can be divided into two categories: Study Environment Distraction free Conditions (chair, desk, temperature) are conducive to studying Materials you need are present Structure for Study Sessions Develop realistic goals for the study session Decide the order in which you will complete tasks Plan a reward
Factors for Improving Concentration:	Make it as distraction free as possible Create environmental conditions that are conducive to studying Ensure that all materials you will need for your study session are with you Important to set doable goals Set your priorities Reward yourself at the end
Memory Basics:	It is necessary to implement skills that will enhance your ability to remember the material you are studying.
Organizational Skills:	Learn main ideas first then details. This will provide a framework for understanding the details you will gain as you read the chapter. Make the information relevant. Try to make connections between what you are learning in class and your everyday life or your future career.
Improve Memory by Making it Physical:	Use your body and your senses to help you build memory. “People remember 90% of what they do, 75% of what they see and 20% of what they hear.” Stand up and talk out loud as you study. Relax – it allows more blood to flow to the brain therefore you think clearly. Use visualization, be creative and use your imagination.
Improve Memory by Making it Cognitive	Over-learn the material: to expand short-term memory it requires time, energy, understanding, and repetition. Adjust your attitude about learning: try to have positive attitudes to enhance the ability to recall the information. Practice multiple techniques for each class – not all techniques will be useful for all the classes, so it is important to employ different ones.
10 Strategies for Improving Memory:	Learn main ideas, then details Make the information relevant Use your body and senses to learn information Relax Use visualization Over-learn the material Have a positive attitude Use multiple learning techniques Review regularly 10.Brainstorm
Conclusion:	Improving Memory and Concentration can be challenging, but by including some of these strategies it will definitely lead you to become a successful student.