1 plus 3 Notes

Taking notes never used to be good enough for me to learn from. Sometimes looking over my notes I would forget how to use a concept because I lacked an example to explain it to me. My MAT 285 class especially was difficult at times because I had equations and formulas that I did not know how to use very well or might have been confused on. I also was having trouble with my BIO 123 class because I would have the definitions of most biological concepts but I did not have a way to organize the information into a neat organized manner. My Sociology of health and illness course also needed to be organized in a way that I could see statistics in one column and written information in another. I needed a type of note taking method that included examples of questions in order to understand equations for math and an organizational view of concepts into a neat chart or table.

One plus three notes were the perfect way for me to complete my note taking skills. They are the one type of method that helps all of my weaknesses in my notes. The first thing they do is combine class notes with outside test preparation. One side of the notebook has the class’ notes from that day. The other side of the page includes definitions and terms, a chart or graphic organizer to help study the information, and questions in order to apply the information. This type of notes is perfect for my weaknesses because of they are forcing me to become more organized and helping me review my information from the day.

For my MAT 285 class I used the 1 plus 3 notes in a very effective manner. During class I only took notes on one side of the page. I knew I had to go back and insert all the organized information and example questions later on. When I went back later that day to use the 1 plus 3 notes for the first time, I started with putting formulas in one section of the page that I went over that day. Putting all my formulas down would allow me to see all the new concepts we learned that day instead of flipping through my notes searching for every new thing we learned for the class. The next thing I did was put an example question for each type of formula listed on the side of my page so I would be able to see how to use each equation. The last thing I included was example questions because after seeing the formula and learning how to use it with an example problem, I would be able to apply the formula to a different problem and understand how to use it.

For my BIO and SOC classes I did the one plus three notes a little differently. Instead of putting equations and such on the other side of the pages, I put the terms and definitions, graphic organizer or chart, and then example questions. These helped me learn the information in a more productive manner. The notes actually worked in a way that helped me remember more information for my classes.

I know that some of my friends have been struggling in these certain classes also so sharing my new types of notes with them have also helped them to learn the information better. The one plus three notes have not only helped me in my note organization, but they have also been a help to others.

1 plus 3 Notes: