Amy,
This is a good idea for returning students. By giving them a few note taking strategies and supporting them with guided notes they will soon acquire the confidence needed to see themselves as being successful in the course.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I like the idea of having a class on note taking. Many students that are older or have not been to school in awhile would really benefit from reviewing the basics of note taking.
The notes can be used as a sort of reward to the student learner; particularly when the notes are a key to the success or outcome of a given product.
Rebecca,
I think you will like the results you get because guided notes puts them into the material. They are guided not given in terms of notes and this is an important difference when it comes to student engagement.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I always like to highlight pertinent information by way of providing fully structured notes/ study guides. This has become a tool that the students rely on. On the down-side, the students are not putting as much effort into their reading. I am now going to use the "guided notes" concept. I think this this will help students learn how to take notes and organize their ideas.
Lisa,
I wish more schools did this. Your students are very fortunate to have such resources available to them and I hope they take advantage of them. These resources can be the difference between success and failure if they are valued and used by the students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
My school has incorporated a study strategy and note taking class in the first term. In this term I introduce different note taking techniques. I then take the next couple of lectures at a slow enough place to allow the students to practice with the different styles to help them determine what works best for them. I give them an outline of the lectures at the end of the week to ensure that they did not miss anything.
I always encourage my students to take notes and I find the one's that do are more successful in the course.
Jane,
Using structured notes really help my older and/or non-traditional students that have not acquired note taking skills or have forgotten how to take notes. Structured notes really help them with self confidence.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
