Which is the best way to stay organized with notes, homework,etc.?

virgo,student nurse, CNA · Jul 4, 2011

I have a three ring binder for each class. All are different colors, and in the front of the binder, I have a colored peice of construction paper, with the class time and days. I also use a calendar for all my classes, you can find one in staples or the dollor store. I find this helpful for myself. Remember to pack your books in your bookbag, the night before and load into your car if you have one, just in case you are ever runnning late. Good luck.

on eagles wings, ASN, RN · Jul 4, 2011

I start 8/22 so I don't know how well it will work, but this is what I used to do in my other classes and I got A's.

BEFORE CLASS: Read chapter before class and highlight. Look up key terms. Write down questions to ask in class.

DURING CLASS: I'll print the ppts, highlight important words or small notes in red ink. Extra's i'd write on the side if there is space, but drawings in the back with the # of the corresponding slide beside it.

The ppts I keep in a separate binder, divided by chapters. Good for midterm/final review.

AFTER CLASS: I'd come home and reread important parts of the chapter while taking awesome notes in a spiral notebook. Here I can made detailed notes, drawings, or diagrams. Perfectly neat. Things I know I'll rewrite in short bullet notes. Things I don't know well I'll rewrite in full sentences. This is how my brain clicks the info.

So I like to use both in my classes. I'll let you know when I actually start nursing theory though :eek: :uhoh3:

JenniferWilson74 · Jul 4, 2011

I ditto everything said here, but will add a few additional things that help me:

1. I get a giant wall sized calander (with all 12 months visible) and hang it above my desk. With bright permanent markers, I lable when school starts, when it ends, and any breaks in-between. As I know the dates, I mark registration date/time and all exam dates for the coming semester, as well as any due dates for large projects. I mark off the days as they pass.

2. Before school starts I load my backpack with essentials: mechanical pencils (7mm), spare lead (7mm), erasers, small stapler and extra staples, tampons, gum, snack bars (never know when you'll need those to keep the glucose going to the brain), highlighters, hole reinforcers (to put on pages that go in my 3-ring-binder if they tear), butterfly clips (I like these way better than paper clips), fine point black/red sharpees, calculator, ruler, and a little cash.

3. I get 3-ring binders for each class (1") with a clear view front. In the clear view front I put the syllabus for the class. Many teachers include a calander of homework/exam/subject dates on the syllabus and I turn this so it is facing out, and highlight each one as it passes. I put good quality college ruled loose leaf paper in the binder, along with a five subject pack of dividers. I get a spiral binder for note taking that gets stuffed in the binder.

Sowhat105 · Jul 4, 2011

Honestly, the only thing I carry to class daily is a laptop... That's how I organize my notes, and then I just do my nursing cards on the laptop as well to study... Binders, writing, and all that organization would drive me mad, when all I have to do is click save!

ag.wade · Jul 5, 2011

Organization will come once you receive your syllabus. Find what works best for you. E.g. - I only take a small notebook and a pen. Know your material before class, sit there and listen and write down the important stuff. Try not to make school harder than it is. :)

fc89 · Jul 5, 2011

Thanks for everyones feedback. They are all great organization tips and will take all in consideration :) hopefully i'll find my own way to stay organized and that it will work as great as yours