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At the beginning of each quarter, students everywhere vow that this
will be the quarter they get themselves organized; this time they will
complete their reading assignments before going to class, just as every
teacher they've ever known has suggested. By about the third week, however,
reality dawns on the students, and what remains is frustration and guilt
for failing to meet a commitment made to themselves. A more realistic and
rewarding approach to the problem is a simple method for class preparation
that is quick and easy and provides nearly the same benefits as the arduous
reading of voluminous portions of text.
Here's how it works:
- DO NOT READ THE TEXT BEFORE LECTURE! Instead,
on the night before a class, copy the major headings or chapter titles
from the text assignment onto a small card. For sections which are long,
place a check or star next to the title.
- Take this card to the lecture and keep it visible while taking notes.
When the lecturer talks about a topic listed on the card, put a check next
to the title. If the lecturer is talking about a topic not on the card,
be sure to take complete notes.
- When studying the material for the class, use the card as a guide.
Topics with a star and a check are covered both in lecture and in the text,
and are probably important to know. Topics in your notes, but not listed
on the card, will require either reliance on notes alone, or a trip to
the library for another reference. Topics listed on the card, but with
no check from lecture, are probably supplementary unless the lecturer has
indicated otherwise.
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