Overview
This section contains resources for teaching students the theory and practice of effective note taking, including annotating readings, taking notes during lectures and other presentations and using one’s notes to study. Students should have the opportunity to test out a variety of methods and customize strategies to fit their situation.
Objectives
Students should be able to:
- Describe the difference between active and passive reading;
- Describe at least one effective annotation method and one note taking method for class sessions;
- Explain how note-taking affects reading, listening and retention, and
- Determine which note taking method is appropriate to each setting (e.g. lecture, readings).
Introductory Questions
- What systems for notetaking does your school use and how do they encourage you to use that system?
- What way of taking notes works best for you? Does that vary based on how you receive the content (e.g. listening or reading)?
- Do you review your notes when you study?
Suggested Class Sequence(s)
Class sequences are connected topics with activities, worksheets, and readings which take two or more days of class to complete.
Annotation and Questioning Sequence (2 day sequence)
Includes two lessons on modeling annotation and questioning strategies with practice exercises.
Videos
Short videos help tap into multiple modes of learning and can provide a good introduction to or illustration of a topic. See suggested protocols for classroom viewing.
- Note-Taking In Class (4:21, cc)
Illustrated video from the UNC Chapel Hill Learning Center - How to Take Notes in Class: The 5 Best Methods – College Info Geek (6:40, cc)
Overview on note taking methods for classroom use; this video is paired with the note taking practice activity included here.
Readings
All readings should be paired with a structure or protocol, especially if any reading will be completed in class.
- Note Taking Guide
Comprehensive guide with overview of several strategies, styles, tools, and how to use notes for studying from Barnard College; this reading is paired with Note Taking Practice - Taking Notes in Class
Reading on tips and note-taking methods from Blueprint for Success In College OER Textbook; this reading is paired with Note Taking Practice - Note-Taking
Provides an overview of various note-taking methods with visual guide - Note Taking Systems to Ace the Exam
Briefly highlights note-taking methods and tips on how to each method from High School to the Real World: College + Career Prep 101 - Study Skills & Test Taking Techniques
Explores test anxiety and how to address it and how to study for exams from High School to the Real World: College + Career Prep 101 - Study Strategies: A Simple Guide to Text Annotation
Provides text annotation tips; this reading is paired with the Annotation and Questioning Sequence - How Annotation Reshapes Reading
Provides annotation methods; this reading is paired with the Annotation and Questioning Sequence
Activities
Activities include individual or group tasks that can be completed in less than one class period; some activities may be repeated in a sequence and are re-listed here for ease of access.
- Note Taking Strategies and Practice
Provides an overview of note-taking methods, students choose a preferred method, practice it with a podcast and article about athletes, and take a quiz to test the efficacy of their notes. - Introducing the SQ3R method
Introduction to and practice using the SQ3R note-taking method. - Note Taking Practice
Practice several note taking methods while listening to lectures/watching videos and reading; this activity is paired with How to Take Notes in Class: The 5 Best methods, Taking Notes in Class, and the Note Taking Guide.
Resources
- Note taking templates and guidance
Ready to use templates for note-taking on lectures, readings, and research; includes video and tips on note-taking. - Cornell Notes template
Ready to print template for Cornell Note-taking style.
Share Content
- Click on this link to access our submission form that will guide you through submitting your materials. The form is designed to make submitting your content straightforward and ensure your contribution aligns with our platform’s style and goals. On the form you will find:
- Clear definitions of each type of submission you might contribute, whether it’s a video, reading, sequence, standalone activity, or resource.
- Guidelines for writing descriptions specific to each type of submission, such as what to emphasize for standalone activity descriptions versus readings.
- Instructions on proper documentation and linking to ensure credits are correctly attributed.
- Annotated examples of each type of submission to help you visualize what a complete submission looks like.
- Please note: We may make minor adjustments to enhance clarity or structure, like refining steps, directions, or adding reflection questions, but we’ll keep the original intent intact.
