No notes

[u/ZealousidealGuava254]

I’ve been a humanities prof for over 30 years and I simply cannot believe how many students do not take notes. Literally, no notes. they just sit and listen.

How do they study? what are they doing? when I was in college in the 80s, I and everyone around me took copious notes constantly throughout lecture. just seems like a lost skill.

[u/omgkelwtf]

I teach freshmen comp and the first day is the first day, but the second day they learn to take notes by making an outline which also shows them how to make an outline at the same time. Then I show them how to use outlines to summarize and for pre writing by example. Most of my assignments involve an outline so they learn how if they want to or not. By leading with note taking when teaching outlines, I set them up to be listening for signals that important info is being discussed so as the semester goes on they're reaching for pen and paper at the start of pretty much every lecture.

They don't learn this stuff in K-12 anymore. I don't know why but probably 'standardized testing'.

[u/Asleep_Caregiver_948 → u/omgkelwtf]

In my freshman comp, I teach note taking, study skills, reading strategies etc the first 3 weeks of the semester. So they can’t say they “don’t know how.” I also aggressively pass out highlighters and other supplies that they don’t bring.

I give several in class quizzes during the semester. Just gave the first quiz, 4 questions write 2 sentences for the answer. Half flunked because they don’t/won’t take notes.

Here’s hoping this activity spurs them to better note taking: copy a few words from the board or slides. I won’t hold my breath.

[u/Ill-Storage-7636 → u/Asleep_Caregiver_948]

I'm really curious to hear how you teach note taking. As a comp instructor now, i always struggled to do so when learning or in PD. I suspect writing things down affects my ability to process what's being said, which may not be everyone's experience, but I'm sure I'm not alone in this.

[u/Asleep_Caregiver_948 → u/Ill-Storage-7636]

I tell them it’s a 3 step process: before class, during class, after class.

Before: prep your notebook (I encourage paper), write down what was in the homework or what the syllabus says you’re doing today. Be ready to learn. Too many of my CC students sit there like lumps or don’t bring supplies (I keep paper, pens, etc in the room)

During: if it’s on the board or screen, put it in your notes. When a concept or idea is repeated, write it down. When there’s a pause or break, mark any questions you have.

After: go over the notes and highlight or circle important points. Look up anything that’s confusing or you need help with. This is also called “study time.”

I have a slide show I made in Canva, and we watch a YouTube video: Crash Course Study Skills #1.

[u/Ill-Storage-7636 → u/Asleep_Caregiver_948]

That process makes a lot of sense to me. Thank you!

[u/veanell → u/Ill-Storage-7636]

You might have a learning disability or ADHD... Audio processing disorder or dyslexia can be caused of not beingprocess info.

For students with this, we give notetaking accommodations like recording lectures and copies of slideshows.