Taking notes is critical to your academic success, but many students do not know how to take notes effectively.

One common note-taking mistake is to try to transcribe every detail from a class lecture. This strategy actually makes it difficult for students to absorb information because they’re writing everything down, no matter what.

There are strategies you can use to improve your note-taking skills. The Cornell method, for example, promotes active listening and has been shown to be more effective in helping students retain information. Mastering the Cornell method can also help you develop more effective study habits and improve your performance on exams as a result.

Why should I use the Cornell method?

The Cornell method forces you to think critically about the key concepts from each lesson and to explain those items in detail, making it more likely that you will remember them later. Additionally, because you are not trying to capture your professor’s every word, you have more time to be part of class discussions, which can also hold important lessons and takeaways.

One advantage of the Cornell method is that your notes are already organized in a logical, easy-to-read layout. This makes it easy to find your notes from specific lectures, as well as remember the key points discussed in each class.

Cornell University suggests covering the right column, which will contain definitions and detailed notes, with a piece of paper. Then, see if you can define or explain the keywords and ideas in the right column without peeking at the left. This strategy will help you quickly identify which topics or concepts you need to spend time reviewing.

The Cornell method can be useful for students who are new to handwriting their notes, or for students who want to improve their note-taking skills. Using the Cornell method will not only help you practice your active listening skills and absorb more information, but it can also help you prepare more effectively for your exams.

Here’s how the Cornell method works:

Step 1: Set up your worksheet

The Cornell note-taking method follows a specific layout. You will divide your page into four different sections: two columns, a space at the bottom of the page and a smaller space at the top of the page. The right column should have significantly more space than the left column.

Step 2: Create a header for your notes

Your header will go in the space at the top of your page. Include the date, the course name and the title of the lesson in your header. Labeling your notes this way will make it easier for you to find specific information later when you are studying for the exam.

Step 3: Taking notes

You will use the two columns in the middle of your page to organize your notes during class. The left column is where you’ll jot down keywords and main ideas. The right column – or the “note-taking column” – is where you’ll define or explain the words and ideas in the left column.

For example, if you’re in a nursing class and you are learning about the cardiovascular system, you might write down each of the key parts (arteries, veins, capillaries, heart) in the left column and their specific functions in the right column.

Step 4: Summary

After class, use the space at the bottom of the page to write down key concepts or “big ideas” from the lesson. This step requires you to reflect on the information you received and to identify what is most important. These are the concepts that are most likely to reappear on quizzes and exams in the future. You can also list any questions you still have about the lesson so that you can remember to bring them up in the next class.

The beginning of a new semester can be both exciting and stressful, and you might be anxious about starting your new classes. Luckily, there are a few things you can do right away to make the rest of the semester easier.

One of those is to take full advantage of Syllabus Week, which is the ideal time to prepare for the semester and get organized.

What is Syllabus Week?

Syllabus Week refers to the first week of classes in a semester. For the most part, your first week will serve as an introduction to all of your courses. Professors will use this time to give an overview of the class and review all of the details you need to know ahead of time. They’ll hand out a syllabus, which is a document that summarizes all of this information, likely including exam dates, assignment deadlines, learning goals, materials needed, and the professors’ contact information.

Here are five ways to take advantage of Syllabus Week:

1. Read the syllabus

Reviewing the syllabus is the best thing you can do to prepare for the semester. Some students find the syllabus overwhelming, but you need to know what will be expected of you in the coming weeks. The professor might not go through all of the items in detail during class time, which is why it’s important for you to take the time to review the syllabus carefully on your own.

2. Go to all your classes and pay attention

Don’t skip class during the important first week. Your instructors might share information with the class that isn’t listed on the syllabus. It’s also a good opportunity to adjust to your new routine and schedule, as well as make a good first impression on your professors.

3. Get to know your instructors and classmates

Professors are trying to get to know all of their new students during the first few classes, so they’ll appreciate efforts you make to introduce yourself personally. If you cannot find time to talk to them in person, you can always send an email and ask any questions you have after reading the syllabus.

This first introduction is important because the semester can get busy and you are most likely going to need to reach out for help at some point. If you introduce yourself during Syllabus Week, you’ll probably feel comfortable going to the professor for help during the rest of the semester. Professors can also be helpful for references and networking down the road, so it’s good if you can start building a relationship with them early on.

Try and talk to at least one or two classmates as well. Creating connections with classmates can come in handy when you are working on assignments or studying for an exam. If you reach out during the first week, you can start to form study groups right away instead of waiting until the first exam draws closer. If you’re an online student, consider creating a Facebook group or following Herzing’s Facebook page to get to know your classmates or introducing yourself on the class discussion board.

4. Get all the materials for your classes

Come to your first class with at least a notebook and a pencil so that you can take notes. After class, look at the syllabus to see if you need to get other materials, such as books, binders, folders, or anything else the class requires. Try to get these materials as soon as possible so that you don’t fall behind in the next few weeks of class. Also, make sure to keep your syllabus with the rest of your class materials, so it’s easier for you to find it and refer back to it later on.

5. Plan ahead

Syllabus week is a great time to get organized, which will make the rest of the semester much easier. Make sure you have a planner so you can write down important dates for the semester. Once you have all of these dates laid out, you can start to plan ahead for major assignments. For example, if you have a research paper due at the end of the term, you might want to complete your first draft a few weeks ahead of time so that you can visit the Writing Center and review it with a tutor. Set your own intermediate deadlines and record these in your planner to ensure that you don’t procrastinate on significant projects.

It’s never too early to start getting organized for the new semester. By making the most of Syllabus Week, you can prepare yourself for the future, make a good first impression, and prioritize your time so that you can be successful. Good luck!

The field of healthcare management offers both a competitive salary and strong job growth, making it an attractive career choice for those interested in both healthcare and business. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in healthcare management is projected to grow 18% from 2018 to 2028, as healthcare organizations strive to adapt to a changing healthcare landscape and keep up with the growing demand for medical services.

A degree in healthcare management can help interested students begin or advance their healthcare careers. Most healthcare managers work for hospitals or other healthcare organizations where they plan, direct and coordinate medical and health services. They might also spearhead new initiatives to improve patient care or create operational efficiencies within the organization. Other responsibilities include supervising staff members, managing finances, preparing and monitoring budgets and keeping and/or organizing medical records.

Whether you are a healthcare professional looking to take the next step, or you are just beginning your healthcare career, a degree in healthcare management can help you unlock the door to many exciting career opportunities.

Here are some of the jobs you can land with a healthcare management degree.

1) Healthcare Department Manager

 Healthcare department managers oversee a specific department or team within an organization. They may be in charge of nursing, surgery, or physical therapy departments, for example, and will have different responsibilities based on their specialty. If you already have work experience as a nurse or medical assistant, for example, pursuing a role as a department manager is one way you can advance your healthcare career.

2) Healthcare Finance Manager

Healthcare finance managers are responsible for the day-to-day financial management of a healthcare organization or practice. Specific responsibilities include managing cash flow, designing budgets, tracking and reporting on the financial health of the organization or department, and evaluating compensation. If you are interested in the business of healthcare and enjoy working with numbers, this could be a good fit for you.

3) Quality and Improvement Manager

As a Quality and Improvement Manager, you would be responsible for ensuring that your organization complies with current care standards. You might also be in charge of evaluating current processes and determining areas for improvement. Some quality and improvement managers also lead workshops and training seminars to help other members of the healthcare team stay up to speed with best practices. In addition to earning your bachelor’s degree in healthcare management, you will need several years of experience and additional certification to become a quality and improvement manager.

4) Healthcare Administrator

Healthcare administrators might manage one hospital or oversee an entire healthcare system. They are in charge of ensuring smooth operations and can also play a role in long-term planning for the organization. Healthcare administrators must have at least a bachelor’s degree, but a master’s degree in healthcare management is often required for continued career advancement.

5) Physician Practice Manager

Physician practice managers lead a healthcare organization’s business strategy. Specific responsibilities include managing budgets, developing new strategies to grow the business, and overseeing day-to-day operations. Many employers prefer candidates to have a master’s degree in healthcare or business management for these roles.

But don’t forget about these skills..

Being successful in the field of healthcare management requires strong leadership qualities and management skills. As with any leadership position, excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills are also necessary. If you are interested in learning more about the business side of healthcare and enjoy thinking strategically and making important decisions, healthcare management could be the right career path for you.

Herzing offers several degree programs to help you begin or advance your career in healthcare management, including associate, bachelor and master degree options. Students enrolled in the bachelor’s degree program can pursue concentrations in leadership or managed care, allowing them to customize their healthcare management degree to their career goals and acquire specialized knowledge.

If you are currently a healthcare professional looking to make the jump from clinical practice to management, an MBA in Healthcare Management is the best track for you. Through an MBA program, you will gain the specialized knowledge and expertise in modern healthcare issues, trends and tools that you need to succeed in upper-management roles.

Students enrolled in the bachelor’s degree program can also earn dual credit toward their MBA as they complete their undergraduate degree.

Learn more about Herzing’s healthcare management programs and find out how you can start building your healthcare career today.