A Guide To Creating Chapter Outlines

A Guide To Creating Chapter Outlines
Using the D.E.C. Format

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Indenting Defining Using Examples Making Connections

PLEASE NOTE: The D.E.C. format refers to how one should handle the terms and concepts in an outline. Every chapter is much more than a mere list of terms; otherwise it would merely be a glossary. As such, one needs to include chapter section headings, and other details within each section. The D.E.C. format should help you to ground the terms within the context of the chapter itself. If your outline becomes, despite use of the D.E.C. format, merely a list of terms, then you will have missed the point, and your grade will reflect that fact.

Indenting Indenting Defining Using Examples Making Connections Top

I. Chapters Are Divided into Sections
      A. Sections each have specific information
      B. Indenting the descriptions of each section makes it easier to read
            1. When you don't indent it is harder to find the information
            2. When you don't indent it is harder to study from your outline
      C. Outlines should have enough information to help on a test. You
      should D.E.C. the information by providing each of the following:
            1. Definition of the term,
            2. Example of the term
            3. Connections to other areas of Biology, or other classes
2. In case you didn't notice, this area was indented the way I want your outline indented . . . but to drive the point home further, see below . . .

I. Section 1 Heading
      A. Main Point
            1. Definition
            2. Example
            3. Connection
       B. Main Point
            1. Definition
            2. Example
            3. Connection
II. Section 2 Heading
      A. Main Point
            1. Definition
            2. Example
            3. Connection
      B. Main Point
            1. Definition
            2. Example
            3. Connection

Another Possible Format

If you wish, you can use the table format below for the outline. Notice that the columns for Definition, Example, and Connection remove the need for indenting. Also, the wider, merged columns, and the use of boldface type for the chapter section headings clearly indicate the division of the chapter, and do not require indenting. If you prefer to use a table, you may copy and paste the table below, or, if you wish, I have a Microsoft Word Version of this template available for your use. (As you type your outline, the cells in the table will, of course, expand to accommodate the text. Simply insert or delete rows as needed to accommodate the sections and ideas in each chapter.)

I. Section 1 Heading
A. Main Point or Term	Definition	Example	Connection
B. Main Point or Term	Definition	Example	Connection
C. Main Point or Term	Definition	Example	Connection
II. Section 2 Heading
A. Main Point or Term	Definition	Example	Connection
B. Main Point or Term	Definition	Example	Connection
C. Main Point or Term	Definition	Example	Connection

Defining Indenting Using Examples Making Connections Top

There is a great deal of vocabulary in Biology. A year of Biology has more new vocabulary terms than a year of a foreign language.

Unless you make an attempt to learn and use the terms, you will not do well in this course. Never simply list the words. Without a definition, you haven't shown me you learned anything.

Never use the glossary; the glossary is a crutch for the mind and should not be used unless you want to be known as mentally crippled. The glossary uses no examples; the glossary makes no connections. I can always tell when people lean on the glossary because they only write one sentence. No concept in Biology is simple enough to be completely explained in a single sentence! People use the glossary "the way a drunk uses a lamppost . . . for support rather than illumination!"

Always use the index; the index will provide you page numbers that will, in turn, provide you with examples and put the term into context (showing connections to other ideas).

Using Examples Indenting Defining Making Connections Top

Tests are never simply definitions. You will be asked to apply the information to specific examples. As such, you should be familiar with them. The examples I use on exams may or may not be the same ones in the book, but familiarity with one example will always help you apply the information to new examples.

Making Connections Indenting Defining Using Examples Top

Biology is a subject that constantly builds upon prior knowledge. Without an understanding of previous ideas, any new material will be a mystery to you.

The more connections you make to prior knowledge, the more connections you make to your own life, and the more connections you make to things you have learned in other classes, the better you will learn, enjoy, and remember the material.

If you want to be an A student, this is the key not only to getting a higher grade, but to becoming a more well rounded human being.