As an international student you will come across different sights, sounds and social situations than you are used to. The same is true in the classroom, where the presentation of course material and teachers' expectations can be confusing or unclear.
For example, take notes. Note taking is an essential part of the learning process, so it is very important to develop strategies for taking notes effectively and for helping you get the most out of your class notes. Here are five ways to get started:
Identify your challenges in order to identify areas for improvement
The most common challenges international students face include low confidence in a foreign language, uncertainty about what to expect in the American classroom, and difficulty understanding instructors. Identifying what is holding you back is often the first step in alleviating the problem.
Prepare in advance
It is important to prepare yourself before your classes by completing the assigned readings. Why? You will be able to follow the course better. Take notes on your readings, then use the class sessions to fill in the gaps in your notes. Presentation slides, if possible, can be made available to you before or after each class - and they can help you further reinforce your grades.
Find the strategies that work best for you
Decide if it is easier for you to write notes in your native language or in English. Plus, use abbreviations (whether they're standard shortcuts or shortcuts you create) to help you take notes quickly and efficiently. You can date your notes, list the topic (s) at the top left, and number the pages to help you stay organized. Focus on precise writing and leave enough white space between sections to make your notes easier to read. You can also use highlighters, asterisks, underlines, and indents in different colors to highlight key concepts.
If your teacher allows you, you can use note-taking software or apps to easily organize your notes and take pictures of diagrams and explanations on the board or screen.
Use active listening skills to jot down important details
These details may include concepts, dates, definitions, key words and phrases, lists, locations, names, text references, timelines, and other related items. Pay close attention to whatever the speaker is emphasizing. Your teacher can repeat a word or phrase more than once, write it on the board, mark it with the cursor, or even directly say "Write this", "This is important" or "The point here is ..."
Asking questions inside and outside the classroom
Write down or mark any information you do not understand, so that you can resume reading or ask the speaker about it later. You can also compare your notes with your classmates to resolve any misunderstandings. Finally, you can search for academic resources online or on campus for additional assistance, such as your school's writing center or a local library.
Taking good notes is a skill that can be developed no matter where you are from. With these tips in mind, you'll be on your way to school success.
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