Notes on Taking Notes

Debbie Willingham
Aug 11, 2008

There is more to the skill of note-taking from a lecture than just copying notes from the overhead or screen. Students need to understand that they are writing down important information for themselves that they need to know. Their handwriting, abbreviations, etc. are not at issue here! Teachers need to understand that while they are the experts in their subject and know their topic inside out, students do not necessarily have any prior knowledge, so they must determine for their students what is most important and how to get it across. Several easy tips can help ensure that teachers are most efficiently and effectively teaching new content to their students.

You probably have to do some "lecturing" and should, because listening and note-taking skills are important not only in school, but in college and the workplace. Consider how you give students new information.

  • First, always start with an overview of the essential question - what the focus and importance of this lesson is all about.

  • Second, keep in mind the concentration span of your students and break up a lecture into memorable and logical parts. Stop along the way to pose questions and have students reflect on what you have just said and they have just written, to be certain they understand what it says and why it is important. Keep students engaged with the explanation you are giving them on a topic by frequently getting their thoughts and input and by making it relevant to them.

  • Third, establish a "no slacker zone" for students; walk around as you talk, regain attention with your looks or gentle touches, and do not overlook passive or aggressive behavior. Your expectations have to be set at the beginning of the school year, and students need to know that you are not wasting their time but are actually saving them time by making complex information more concise for them.

  • Fourth, knowing how to deliver a good lecture is important; your subject is your specialty and your passion, and you need to show that. You are on stage when you lecture, so trust your enthusiasm. It is okay to look silly or the students to think you are crazy to be so passionate!

  • Fifth, use anecdotes; these are the things that help students remember what you have taught them. You can often "tell a story" as they copy the basics.

  • Sixth, have students organize the information you are giving them. The use of graphic organizers has a proven track record in helping students make sense of and remember content for future use.

  • Finally, if the lecture is a continuation from the day before, be sure to do a short review to "reactivate" students' thinking about the topic before you continue. The short time it takes to do this is well worth the effort.

Lecturing does not have to be a bad thing; it has gotten a bad reputation because sometimes teachers have unintentionally made it boring or overwhelming and turned their students off to the realization that it can actually be the most efficient way to learn new content. Using the above strategies will help ensure that teachers keep students engaged and involved in learning the massive amount of content the standards require.