Everyone processes information differently using different techniques. A person struggling with coding information in an understandable manner should find techniques that work for them to establish personal meaning. Making any information personal will automatically establish meaning to an individual. Depending on what is difficult to process (i.e. class lecture or readings) the approach to making meaning may be different. If a person doesn’t understand lectures, perhaps asking for clarification during class will solidify understanding. The George Washington University offers more ways to improve information processing.

When reading:

1. When you first open a chapter, approach the text as a survey. Read graphs, charts, headings, and subheadings. Focus on the pictures and not the lengthy wording.
2. Ask question, based on your surveying of the chapter, prior to reading the chapter. Being curious about information helps you to concentrate and remember material.
3. Take notes in margins. This will help to indicated important material and things that caught your attention. Use a variety of colors and code the colors by meaning.

When in class:

1. While taking lecture notes, format them in a way that you understand. Some people prefer the outline format with roman numerals, but that doesn’t work for a scatterbrain. Know what method of taking notes works for you, and format your notes accordingly.
2. Take notes based on content and not how it is delivered. If a professor is boring in lecture, focus on the material and not how it is delivered.
3. Do not zone out or pack up early. If a professor is going over on time, it is usually because the material is that important that they are keeping you an extra 30 seconds to get the message across. Valuable information may come at the end of lecture.