


If you are having extenuating circumstances that are inhibiting your learning then it is your responsibility to talk with the professor and/or seek help through resources at the university. If you should have to miss class then it is your responsibility to get with another student to catch up on notes. TIP#4 BE RESPONSIBLE Being responsible covers a broad range of areas but most importantly includes taking the initiative to get the most out of class as you possibly can. As a general rule, what the professor writes on the board or represents through overheads is usually relevant to the key points. A major part of good note taking is being able to adjust your style to that of the professor, being able to sift through what is important to learn and what is filler. It takes time to learn efficient and effective note taking but practice will help greatly. You retain only about 10% of what you have heard after 24 hours if you don't use some method to refresh your memory. TIP#3 TAKE NOTES Very few people in the world have a photographic memory. If you misplace your original, ask for another. This document is the backbone of the semester giving you valuable information about assignments, required reading materials, exam and homework schedule, the professor's office hours, and expectation of attendance and participation. In any case, you need to recognize that this document is like a contract between you and the professor and needs to be treated with the same degree of seriousness you would any other contract. Professors may go through it with detail but others expect you to read it on your own. TIP#2 READ YOUR SYLLABUS, KEEP YOUR SYLLABUS, AND FOLLOW YOUR SYLLABUS This information is generally handed out the first day of class or some professors have it listed electronically on Oncourse. It is also critical that you participate in class discussions, answer questions when raised, and volunteer information relevant to the topic. TIP#1 GO TO CLASS AND PARTICIPATE You have to be there to learn, take notes, network with other students, and to develop a rapport with the professor. Add/Drop a Major, Minor, or Certificate.Civic Leadership Academy Video Archives.
