Do this improve your GPA🫶

Okay, so like many of you, I used to dread lectures. My hand would cramp up trying to jot down every single word, only to end up with notes that looked like chicken scratch and made zero sense later. It felt like I was constantly playing catch-up, missing key points the professor said, and honestly, it just added to my overall 'anxiety every lecture' feeling. My pop quiz scores definitely reflected that struggle, often leaving me 'failing pop quizzes weekly.' That's when I realized my traditional note-taking wasn't helping my GPA. I needed a game-changer. Beyond just recording lectures, which has been a lifesaver for getting 'perfect notes automatically,' I started experimenting with how I used those recordings and other study techniques. First, active listening became my superpower. Instead of writing, I could really engage with the material, formulate questions, and connect concepts. Then, after the lecture, I'd go back to the recordings. This is where the magic happens. I'd listen at 1.5x speed, pausing to pull out the main ideas and summarize them in my own words. This process of active recall is way more effective than just rereading. Another huge tip I picked up was transforming my 'perfect notes automatically' into flashcards. If your app doesn't make 'flashcards made for me,' try using tools like Anki or Quizlet. Turning key definitions, formulas, or concepts into flashcards and reviewing them regularly, especially using spaced repetition, can solidify information in your long-term memory. It's fantastic for tackling those challenging pop quizzes! I also learned the importance of understanding why something is true, not just what is true. If a concept felt fuzzy, I'd re-listen to that section of the lecture or look up supplementary videos until it clicked. Don't be afraid to utilize office hours or study groups to clarify doubts – it makes a massive difference. Finally, managing that 'anxiety every lecture' often comes down to preparation. Before a new topic, I'd quickly skim the textbook chapter or review previous notes. This pre-exposure helps you follow along better and makes the recording even more effective. It's not just about stopping traditional note-taking; it's about adopting a holistic approach to learning that prioritizes understanding and retention. These small changes, combined with smart tech like lecture recording, truly made a difference in my academic journey and, yes, my GPA!