^ I got that link off of lifehack.org a few days ago.
#1: Notes wise, I've recently taken up mindmapping and finding it to be a great way to organize information and/or brainstorm ideas. I have not used it in a classroom setting because I'm taking a year off, but it seems like it would be successful. Put just the barebones concept names on the mindmap, and I'm thinking a few references which are numbered and correspond to a few other pages which are also numbered, if you know what I mean. There's a few books out there on mindmapping, but it's pretty self-explanatory. Maybe check Wikipedia if you want more info. I've gotta buy a big easel pad, cause it's so much easier ot mind map when oyu have lots of space. Also try adding colour and showing relationships (writing along the lines that connect ideas), etc.
Google note-taking, I did that a few months ago and found great links.
Our minds are pattern and relationship finding computers. That's pretty much what our minds do best at, so revealing and understanding the structure of something allows you to simply plug in relevant details, kinda like building a framework for a house before you actually start putting in the details like electric sockets, lights and drywall, etc. We also tend to be pretty visual learners (visual learners are the majority), so having a mindmap or other visualization of the structure of what you're learning really helps to put it in your head.
If you're so inclined, you can also find other sources for the same information. Different sources/view points help to compound the information and help you remember it better. For example, for my economics course, I intend to read Idiot's Guide to Economics, another textbook or two on economics as well as any other books like that. Introductory course textbooks at the university level tend to be simply written in arcane and ridiculously boring ways, so finding a simpler and easier to read book may help increase comprehension.
#2: You might consider doing hte Photoreading course, or at elast grab the book. I'm not recommending photoreading the book (yet, until I get some success at it) but the first few steps of the Whole Mind system are:
Prepare: Establish your exact purpose for reading. Get into the ideal state of mind by focussing your awareness slightly above and behind your head.
Preview: Flip through the book or chapter and pull out important terms that seem to be repeated. Read the subtitles and bolded words. Maybe check the table of contents or read it (they tend to be fairly detailed in text books).
Scheele also recommends mind-mapping and he's mindmapped the photoreading course, and that is really, really, helpful.
Hope this helps!
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