I need tips on how to create outlines & create an organization system

pmabraham, BSN, RN · Jun 25, 2013

Good day:

For me, I use a combination of systems that can help me whether I'm at home, school, or on the go:

Tape recorder for class (do ask your professor first if you can record the lecture).
I edit each recording (to remove any extraneous recordings as well as combine appropriate recordings); and, then rename (to something that makes sense) the file and copy it to my smart phone (which plays it louder than the recorder) so I can re-listen to the lecture one to many times before the next class.
Flexbinder note books (1 per class) that I use to take notes for class, keep class papers, etc.
I rewrite class notes using a word processor where I make backup copies on a flash drive as well as copy the actual text into Evernote.
In addition to rewriting the notes, I go through each chapter and create separate work sheets --> one for terms and definitions, another for chapter highlights, the last one for chapter review where I can self test my knowledge of the chapter.
As I complete a chapter, I take a test review. If I get below 90%, I break, then come back, study some more, break, then re-test.
I use Evernote Web clippings including Evernote Clearly to pull in 3rd party articles concerning what I'm studying so I have either additional information, or more often times a visual or a different way of looking at the problem / area of study.
I use google calendar to create a structure of what my day, week, month will look like as well as uncalendar (by people systems) to keep track of key events, goals, to do's.

Thank you.

picklemouse · Jun 25, 2013

This is a great topic! I took a Nursing Success Skills class and it was VERY helpful. I find that using a variety of note taking strategies is a good idea in the beginning. Eventually you will find what works for you. For me, flashcards aren't so great. I make cornell notes for my vocabulary. I also take all the chapter tests at the end of the chapter, do all the review questions, AND any questions throughout the chapter. I hand write them and keep them to review later. When I finish, I go back and look at what is wrong. I go through and write down each incorrectly answered question, look up the answer, and write it down. This helps me understand what I need to work on as well as find out why certain answers are correct or incorrect. I tend to use cornell notes, outlines, and SQ3R the most. I also have a variety of highlighters that help me visually separate categories of notes.

In regard to time management, you need to make a schedule and stick to it. Inform friends and family members and remind them that your study time is SACRED. You have to be kind of selfish about it unfortunately. I live in an apartment and if there is outdoor noise I cannot control when I NEED to study.. I leave. Having back-up study locations accessible 95% of the time is important. I have at least 3. One of them is the Starbucks at my local Target! It has a HUGE space where no one ever goes!

This also may sound stupid: I have found that while it is important to be comfortable when I study, I can't be TOO comfortable. Pyjamas.. yes! Study in bed.. nooo. No matter how interesting the chapter I will fall asleep! :sarcastic:

Here are a few tidbits that might help you out:

Reading method I use: The SQ3R Reading Method

Time management strategies: Time management

Popular note taking systems: Note Taking Systems - Academic Skills Center: Study Skills Library - Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo

Good luck and I hope this helps!

WoundedBird · Jun 25, 2013

I use the PowerPoint slides as the main frame for my outline and then fill it in with my handwritten notes from lecture and lab and occasionally the book. We've had two quizzes so far and I've scored in the 90's on both. To me this means I'm studying appropriately for this class.

csoultz · Jun 25, 2013

I use my powerpoint handout from lecture. I write down all the material form lecture that I can. Most of my teachers post their notes, so I go through and copy those. After that I read the chapter and take a substantial amount of notes out of the book. I try to get this done within 2-3 days after lecture and then make sure to read them at least once a day until the test. I generally do pretty well with this.

DisneyNurseGal, BSN, RN · Jun 25, 2013

I use Microsoft One Note. Think of it like an electronic binder. I can take my notes into it (like a word processor), but I can also have links to saved power points, recordings or even websites. It is a hard program to explain, but it was designed most for students to stay organized. The best part is that it saves on in the cloud, so if you are stuck somewhere without your notes, you can log into on your phone or tablet and study anywhere. Check out the link! Microsoft OneNote â€" note taking software - Office.com

britthohenbrink · Jun 26, 2013

This is a great topic... I start in Aug. and am always looking for any pointers that students that have been there before me have on being successful. I am in this whole heartedly and failing is NOT an option.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Jun 26, 2013

You may discover that your study habits which have worked well in the past will not produce the same outcomes when you hit your nursing courses. Nursing education outcomes are much more conceptual.

I would recommend that you become comfortable creating concept maps as a form of note-taking. It isn't as 'pretty' and neatly organized (various levels of outline numbers / bullet points) but is much more appropriate for the content.