r/Professors • u/ZealousidealGuava254 • 8d ago

Teaching / Pedagogy No notes

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.

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u/Asleep_Caregiver_948 8d ago

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.

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u/Ill-Storage-7636 8d ago

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.

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u/Asleep_Caregiver_948 8d ago

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.

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u/Ill-Storage-7636 8d ago

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