Note-taking+Strategies

Using part of the class time to incorporate stages of note-taking annotating (1, 2) will help students process their notes, transferring working memory into longer-term memory and helping students synthesize their learning. The Cornell Notes system uses a three-tiered system to take, review, and study notes. The template includes a larger right-hand space for taking down the basic information. After pausing at a natural break, students review what they have written and process it by writing cues (questions/themes) in the left-hand margin. Finally, after students have completed notes on a particular topic or lesson, they paraphrase what they have learned into their own words in the bottom block. Using 10-15 minutes in class to allow students to reflect on their notes, share their findings, and process their notes into a new form will help them not only learn proper note-taking but also retain what they have learned. The process also allows for collaborative work as students share their findings, their cues, and their summaries. I have offered a few examples of how this process can be incorporated for different purposes at different stages of the process:


 * Start class by asking students to work in groups to consolidate their most important annotations or notes from the night or class before under common themes or questions


 * Pause note-taking after a significant amount of time has elapsed (20-30 minutes) and ask students to work in groups or individually to develop and then share cues and summaries for their notes


 * To prime students for an up-coming reading assignment, end class with a 5-10 minute pre-reading for the upcoming night's homework that ends with students sharing their annotations or notes


 * Students could use mind mapping, [|concept mapping], Ishikawa diagrams, or semantic maps to create visual representations of their major findings related to cues and big topics or ideas. MindMeister is a good mind mapping program available for free online, on Google apps, or on the iPad.

Glossary of Terms