Do you find lectures dull? That you stop taking notes quickly and feel they are a waste of time?

Well The Rule of Four (R4) is for YOU! It’s a four step process taking about 30 minutes in total that will boost your ability to learn in a lecture or taught session. You can use anyway you like to record your learning activities but The Rule of Four cards (in Cards Against Procrastination) and the fab A4 notepads (pictured) will also soon be available.

Lets get to the steps

Rule 1 – BEFORE the lecture

Remember that you already know things. Where a lecture will potentially introduce new information you will use that new information better if you link it to what you already know. Rule 1 is simple – BEFORE

• spend 10 minutes reading the learning outcomes for the session
• list any terms you dont understand
• look up those terms – a simple check in a dictionary or Google
  • you don’t have to find the subject specific definition, just enough for your brain to know the word and it’s meaning.

Rule 2 in the lecture/session – DURING

• you don’t need to write every word
• use the Cornell template (Cards Against Procrastination)
• link your notes to the learning outcomes
• write any queries or questions you have during the session

Rule 3 – AFTER

• post lecture take a read of your notes – ideally the same day
• expand your notes in areas you feel you need to

Rule 4 – FOLLOW UP

• this can be a few days or more after the session
• check if you have covered all learning outcomes
• check if you have answered your own questions
  • these might involve looking forward to the learning outcomes of future sessions as these may help answer outstanding questions
• leave any notes for future you for revising or using in assessments

The R4 A4 notepad is pictured and coming to the online shop soon!