Tuesday 31 December 2013

Tips For Writing A Term Paper Throughout The Semester

By Franklin Skribbit


Note taking has been a part of the educational experience for all of us the first teacher ever decided to lecture. Many programs, apps, and methods exist to help us learn to take better notes and when it comes down to it, preference and style is really a personal thing. So what can we learn about note taking that will help boost our ability? If you want to take better notes, you need to make a conscious decision regarding the medium you will use. Switching back and forth between the two can be confusing and time consuming, not to mention disorganized.

When using a laptop, research various applications and programs which may assist you in your note taking. Programs like Evernote provide easy, instant access to your information regardless of whether you are viewing it from a phone, tablet, or computer. You can also scan your handwritten notes in for digital storage if you so prefer.

Still, however, the common thread among college students and returning college students of business in National City is that with a far off due date there are many that struggle to stay on task with the assignment. Writing with a distant due date can be managed by understanding a few tips on how to successfully complete a paper without a deadline attached.

The first thing that a student can do to make sure that they can complete their term papers in a timely manner and to work on them throughout the semester rather than the week before the paper is due is to take the time to organize and plan. Organizing a paper, at least at this step, is not so much about content as it is about rationing out the work and coming up with a general outline for the paper.

Here is where we get down to the nitty gritty details of where most points are missed or docked in a research paper. Most professors will be lenient with occasional mistakes, but if they catch too many of them, they'll start to dock points for every single one.

Now we come to the hardest part, what to write down and how. This is where personal preference and learning style really come in to play. Do some research and play around with various methods for documenting your notes. There are quite a few including mind mapping, charting, the Cornell method, and creating a rough outline. It is important for you to find one that works for you.

Regardless of your note taking style here are some things you want to make sure you don't miss. Obviously if your instructor says, 'this will be on the test,' write it down. If the professor repeats himself and more importantly if he slows his repetition down so that it can be taken word for word, you want to capture that information. On the flip side, if he speaks faster, louder, or with added emphasis, pay attention. When they write on the board or use a power point, snag that too, and if possible, get a copy of the power point. And lastly, take note of any material where a relationship between ideas is expressed by using words like 'however,' 'most importantly,' or 'first, second, third.'

As you work to perfect your note taking style, it will become easier for you to focus and prepare clear notes that you can study later. Whether you're pursuing a business administration degree in National City, or simply taking a single continuing education course, you will find this skill to be most valuable in helping you succeed.




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