Remembering Online Class Notes

Now that I have you thinking about notetaking this month, I wanted to remind you of the purpose of notetaking and when we use them. Obviously, we take notes to remember what we are trying to learn. However, how do we get the most from the notes that we have taken?

1. After the class, lecture, or reading assignment, take a minute to confirm that your notes make sense and to summarize the big takeaway from the lesson. My boys and I will sometimes challenge each other by asking what the “big idea” was in the sermon on Sunday. We often have different results, but this “game” has encouraged them to pay better attention and take great notes, and there’s nothing wrong with that!
2. During the class make sure that any questions that you have are asked. If it’s not a live lecture, then ask the questions later. Make sure that you label your questions clearly. Also, along those lines…
3. Create questions that point back to the lecture yourself. For example, in our Algebra 1 review course, we have student goals listed for each module. At the end of each lesson a student should be able to talk about the goals from the given module. Try it. At the end of a lesson, take a second to create a question that you can now answer.
4. Review your notes before an assessment. First, studying for a test is not cheating. It’s refreshing our mind on something that we might not have seen in a while. Now, to study or review, pull out your notes, choose the main topic or category, and essentially teach yourself the class from memory, and when necessary, use your notes.
5. Finally, write clearly. Seriously, make sure that if you use a code of your own, that you understand it. Otherwise, make sure you can read your handwriting. Illegible notes aren’t doing anyone any good.

This post reminds me of our focus on studying last fall. Our brains are amazing organs, but they aren’t infallable or photographic (most likely). Take some time to give your brain the opportunity to retain the information from your online class or text reading. Taking notes is simple, doesn’t really take any more time than simply watching or reading, and yields the fruit of a ready brain!