non note takers
I recently had a relatively good student doing not so well on tests. I have noticed she does not bring a book to class or take notes in class. When speaking to her about this she told me her other teachers wrote all the notes out for the class on the board and they just had to copy. This does not seem to be affective learning to me. At college level I feel they should be taking notes as we cover material. I use power point as well as class discussion of book material. Any thoughts on handling this situation?
Depending on the make-up of the class,I may give a mini-lecture on how to take notes. It is really amazing that some students have never learned or been taught the correct method. Some students try to write each and every word I say. I have to show them the outline method of using words or key phrases. Many students today are also using audio or video recordings of my lectures. When students are absent, other students take photos of their notes with their cell phones to send to the absent student.
I was the type of student to take lots and LOTS of notes. I studied coupeously. My brother would never take notes but always did great on exams. The moral... Some need notes while others make due with memory.
Note-taking is a skill that can be quite helpful to a student in the classroom, as well as in his/her career. I try to convey the importance of this skill and introduce different formats of note-taking in the classroom.
I like this suggestion. In addition to teaching them how to take notes. Let at least one exam be an "open-note" exam. This will allow them to benefit even more from their note taking.
Hi Jacqueline,
Encouraging students to adapt is a good thing. Being able to adapt in the workplace is a plus and in some cases a must.
Patricia
Hi Carol,
You have certainly gone above and beyond for this student. This student needs to be spoken to in a firm way to determine how serious she is about school. You may need to get administration involved.
Patricia
This particular student does not pay attention. She is usually doodling and or chatting with a friend. This is another discussion altogether. I am finding her to be constanly argumentative. I have put together note outlines for any lecture material and try to make notations on the board of key points. She still isnt writing anything down. I feel like I am taking her voiced problems into consideration by adapting. She is not stepping up. I will keep trying to reach her.
I agree Patricia. We need to take multiple learning styles into account when planning our lessons to help meet the needs of all our students. I am in the healthcare field, and I was coming more from the point that they will need to adapt and change very frequently in the healthcare field. So having to do some adaptation in school with their instructors is a good thing.
Hi Jacqueline,
As instructors, sometimes we need to adjust to our students learning style too.
Patricia
I always tell my students that every instructor has their own style of teaching, and while it may difficult for them to adjust at first, it is a good thing to be exposed to different styles and points of view. It will enrich their learning experience.
There is the possibility that student never learned how to take notes in high school. Maybe you could help by offering a "mini-note taking" refresher for any of your students who feel they need it. Or you could offer extra credit points for keeping a well-organized notebook.
I agree so much - college is not the place for spoon-feeding, but it's our responsibility to wean them gradually. Also you have to recognize that some students have learning styles that they really don't need to take notes at all and still succeed. As long as they are paying attention, participating appropriately and succeeding in evaluations, then we must allow for "different" learning styles and needs.
Hi Carol,
This student is going to have to adjust to your teaching style. I agree they are in college now, and they need to show some accountability. Some instructors spoon feed students way too much. Contrary to belief, most students really want to be challenged. Let the student know in order to be successful in your class, she has to take notes.
Patricia
