Tips for SMFA First-Years
To be honest, my first year at SMFA at Tufts was a bumpy road. I laughed a lot, cried a lot, but most importantly, I learned countless important life…
Writing vs. Typing Notes
One of the important questions, or in this case, topic, in terms of taking notes during class is either using a pen/pencil with paper or your laptop. It is crucial to change the strategy you will utilize at the start of your freshman year based on your general strategy for taking notes. Know your options when it comes to taking notes during your presentation. The next sections will provide you with information on the various note-taking methods used by students at Tufts. This can help alleviate anxiety about what to do and serve as a roadmap to success at Tufts.
Writing Notes
The good old-fashioned pencil and paper method! All you need is a pencil and a notebook to get the job done. Using physical highlighters and other writing utensils can also help make your notes more visible. In general, it is known that taking physical notes can help you understand the material better. Your brain is attempting to absorb whatever is being taught even though you are attempting to multitask—listening and writing. This is helpful when it comes to taking tests and quizzes, as well as understanding the course as a whole. When writing notes, I've found that it's critical to develop shortcuts or become accustomed to abbreviating specific keywords. This will cut down on the time you spend taking notes during a presentation. I can't emphasize this enough, because keeping up in a lecture class can be difficult. Professors enjoy speaking quickly. Professors may also use slideshows in their lectures, however these slideshows are frequently devoid of content. When a professor asks you to write enough material, you must be on your toes.
Typing Notes
With the exception of a few classes, such as Intro to Psychology, where professors do not allow laptop note-taking, this is arguably the most convenient method for most Tufts students. To take notes, you can use Google Docs, Microsoft Word, or Microsoft OneNote. It is simple since it takes less time to complete. You can easily type what the professor is saying if you are a good typer. The apps I described earlier also provide choices for editing your notes. However, utilizing an electronic device to type your notes has several drawbacks, such as draining the battery and becoming sidetracked. I've been known to turn up to a lecture without noticing my laptop's battery was dead. Therefore, it's critical to charge whatever you're using overnight so you're ready for the next day. Many pupils become distracted while utilizing their electronic devices. In a lecture, you'll see that many pupils would rather shop or watch movies than pay attention in class.
Overall, it is your decision to pick the best method for taking notes. Pick a method that you believe will improve your learning experience at the university. You’ve got this!
