As a once-upon-a-time college student, and now a mom of a middle schooler, juggling multiple classes and assignments and staying organized is crucial for academic success. I’ve discovered a system that helps me keep my notes and study materials in order, and I’m excited to share it with you, and with my kiddo as he embarks on his new multi-class adventure. My system involves using three types of notebooks and a binder system. It sounds like a lot, but trust me, this method has transformed how I approach studying and has made my academic life a lot smoother. Here’s how it works:
1. The Everything Notebook: Your All-in-One Resource
What It Is: The Everything Notebook is where I jot down notes during all my classes. It’s a versatile notebook where everything goes—lectures, brainstorming sessions, and quick thoughts.
How to Use It:
- Daily Notes: Bring this notebook to every class and write down everything the professor says.
- General Information: Include lecture summaries, important points, and any extra details provided during class.
- Organize As You Go: Use sections or tabs to divide notes by class or topic for easier access later.
Benefits:
- Convenience: Having all your notes in one place makes it easier to keep track of your daily learning.
- Consistency: It ensures you capture every detail as it happens, without having to worry about sorting them into different notebooks on the spot.
2. The Subject-Specific Notebook: Your Review Hub
What It Is: The Subject-Specific Notebook is where you refine and expand on the notes from your Everything Notebook. You’ll use separate notebooks for each subject.
How to Use It:
- Transcribe and Refine: After class, take the time to transcribe your notes into this notebook, making them clearer and more organized.
- Supplement with Resources: Add additional notes from textbooks, online resources, or study groups.
- Organize by Topics: Divide the notebook by chapters or key concepts relevant to the subject.
Benefits:
- Clarity: Rewriting and refining your notes helps solidify your understanding and makes reviewing easier.
- Focused Study: Having dedicated notebooks for each subject makes it simpler to focus on one area at a time.
3. The Revision Notebook: Your Pre-Test Preparation
What It Is: The Revision Notebook is where you compile and finalize your notes before exams. It’s all about reviewing and preparing for tests.
How to Use It:
- Summarize: Create summaries of key concepts and important details that are crucial for exams.
- Practice Questions: Include any practice questions or problem sets to test your understanding.
- Highlight Key Points: Use highlighters or different colors to emphasize important concepts and information.
Benefits:
- Consolidation: Helps consolidate your study materials into a final reference guide.
- Efficient Review: Makes last-minute studying and revision more efficient by focusing on crucial information.
The Binder System: Keeping It All Together
What It Is: Alongside the notebooks, I use a binder system to keep physical copies of all my notes and study materials organized.
How to Use It:
- Everything Binder: This binder holds all handouts, printouts, and extra materials that don’t fit into your notebooks. Think of it as a backup for everything.
- Subject-Specific Binders: For each subject, have a separate binder where you can store related handouts, returned assignments, and important documents. This complements your Subject-Specific Notebooks.
Benefits:
- Centralized Storage: Keeps all related materials together, making it easier to locate and reference them.
- Neat and Tidy: Helps prevent loose papers from cluttering your desk or bag.
Putting It All Together
By using these three types of notebooks and a structured binder system, you can streamline your note-taking and studying process:
- Everything Notebook: Capture all classroom notes. (just one or two of these for the year)
- Subject-Specific Notebook: Refine and expand on those notes by subject. (Depending on where you live and where you are going to school, you made need up to 8 of these)
- Revision Notebook: Prepare and consolidate information before exams. (just one or two of these for the year)
- Binder System: Organize physical materials and keep everything easily accessible. (you'll need one for the everyday stuff at school, and then one per subject).
Here are my go-tos from Amazon. I like them because I can get enough for the whole school year.
Notebooks: College Ruled
Binders: These are my favorite because they telescope and lay flat and are pre-filled with the dividers that I need.
Highlighters: I like these because they are pastel and easy to read through. They also don't bleed like many of the others that I've tried.
This method not only keeps your notes and materials well-organized but also enhances your study efficiency. Give it a try and see how it transforms your academic life!
Happy studying!
Feel free to adjust the system to fit your personal needs and preferences. Staying organized is a key part of academic success, and finding a method that works for you can make all the difference.
