1. Effective Note Taking

Note Taking was an area going back to college that I was worried about considerably. Doing a PLC course prior to college helped me as a mature student to settle into finding what worked for me regards to note taking. At the start I tried to write word for word which did not work because I was not fully listening then to the lecture. Then I would try to write faster key points and my page would end up looking as confused as I was.


What seems to be working for me right now since September is trying to find the balance between listening to key point areas that are important and just take them down as briefly as I could. My page would still look confused but what I would do next is when I went home I would re-write my notes out again neatly and fill in the missing gaps as I went along. This way I could take my time and have the lecturer’s notes in front of me on the computer in a more relaxed environment. At the end of a topic which could go on for a few lectures I then produce a mind map also to help narrow down all the information in the notes to just key words that would trigger of the information that was learned. 

The following website has a considerable amount of information on how to produce a mind map. Also if you’re worried about your creative side the following website has trial software you can use to create mind maps.

The Youtube video below explains the basics of mind maps to get you going on effective note taking

10. Effective Revision/Exam Techniques

The pressure of exams effects most of us during the build up towards the exam. Revision should never be left to the last minute as it just adds stress to an already tense period for students. This pressure can be viewed negatively with a view to failure already or positively to encourage you as the student to rise to the challenge of the exam and start revising as soon as you can!!

Below are five principles of effective revision  in the study skills handbooks (Cottrell,p310)

Use Past exams papers
- Look for patterns in questions that may reoccur
- It is important to look for what is being asked of you in each question.

Select what to revise
- Work out answers to a range of questions that might come up so you are prepared.
- Select the most important theories

Draw up a time table
- Plan your revision daily coming up to exams
- Stick to your times you set out
- Allow time to relax

A way to start feeling comfortable before your exam is to start practicing essay style writing to help build up your speed under a time constraint. By doing this, this will enable you  to get comfortable answering questions in an exam environment.


Before your exam makes sure you don’t start to read too much extra text regarding your topic as this can be very off putting and confusing. The most important thing is to trust your own instincts, be confident of your topic and what you have learned through lectures and your own personal notes.


A great video on exam preperation!!

9. Time Management

Time management in college life  has a big part to play in your development as a student, by being responsible. In Secondary/High school things were different, because your time was planned out for you. Now that your in college you now as the student must be in charge of your time and how you manage it as best as possible.

Studying and coursework must be taken serious in college by all students. In this case course work can be prioritised on what work is due in next or what information needs to be researched for exams and of course preparation for exams, putting it all together!!. A great way to organise yourself is to keep a personal diary and do not be afraid to write down any important information that you find necessary to help you stay on top of things.


From my own experience of starting college, time management was something that I progressed into overtime and had to manage. Daily normal routines had to be changed to incorporate the time needed to complete my assignments and to read over any material I was unsure of given by lecturers. My family are supportive of me as they know more time is needed for college at present which I am grateful for!!

By clicking on the following link this will bring you to a website with free time management record forms which students can fill in to help them stay focused on organising your time.

Also the following is a quick video on some tips for managing your time effectivley

2. Plagiarism

Its the shortcut of the academic world and claiming other peoples work is of no benefit to you as the student as there is no escape from the college detectors!! copying and borrowing other peoples work is an understatement. It is claiming other peoples hard work as your own and trying to get credit as your own.
It is not the college way!! as the purpose of researching your own work is to have an understanding of the topic for yourself; colleges cannot express the pure offence of plagiarism and encourage all students to write legitimately and academically.

Of course it is allowed to use other people work as it is permitted by tutors, it means that the student has managed to go to the extra effort of sourcing different opinions or to back up points that are of importance to the students work. If you use other peoples work always remember to reference accordingly to the colleges referencing style!!

The Study Skill Handbook by Stella Cotterell (2008,p128)

 How to Avoid Plagiarism

• Write all your notes in your own words.
• Note down exactly where you read the information you put in your notes.
• in your assignment, write out where ideas and information come from:
• Reference your work
• Make clear when you are using a direct quotation
• Write a full list of references and, if required,a bibliography(all books and other materials used)

If you have a habit of copying

•  Put your pen out of reach.
• Read the passage without taking any notes.
• Stop reading and cover up the page.
• Sum up what you have read.If possible,talk aloud,or record yourself, so you hear your own words and in your own voice.
• Once you can say what is what the passage is about note it down in your own words.
• If you want to copy material to use a quotation, write it in a different colour so that you can find it easily.The colour will also show you how much you copy.

Stella Cottrell's best selling book can be purchased here on Amazon.

4. Effective Presentations

When preparing for your presentation firstly know yourself as the presenter exactly what  you want the audience to take away from the presentation. This will narrow the presentation down to find the exact information that you will be looking for. Software such as Microsoft PowerPoint is an ideal medium to use for the presenter to present their topic its quick and easy to use interface will make light work of an already nervous situation!! if not prepared. Keep to about 3-4 points per slide making sure not to over complicate the presentation.


Having done my own presentation I found having a good knowledge of the subject is key and being able to compress a considerable amount of information by narrowing it down to about 4 points per page. Fitting it into five minutes also was difficult but really effective if you know your subject well.  Another thing that helped me was to practice over and over again until you got to the stage of being fed up; this means you know your presentation inside out which takes a lot of worry away.

I would practice also by speaking out aloud just so I could get used to hearing my own voice doing a presentation. Believe me this helps a lot! When doing the presentation I just had to concentrate on keeping the audience interested and make as much eye contact as I could. Practice practice and this will get you through your presentation.

Below is an excellent video which goes through the essentials of effective presentations.





Remember this is your presentation so just go for it!!