Whilst unit summaries are an essential requirement in the subject of science for topics covered at school, some of these students went over and beyond to display their notes in an outstandingly presentable manner. Not only are their notes presentable, but they demonstrate thorough understanding of the concepts. Students have summarised topic using dot-points only, keeping it concise (with only important information) and have used their own words to put together their notes. These students have included elaborative diagrams which have been labelled and coloured that are displayed side-by-side their notes to help with the overall understanding of the topics.
Students are regularly encouraged to take notes in class throughout the lesson. This ensures students are paying attention and helps them focus. Studies on learning have shown that actively engaging with the topic by listening and then summarising what you hear, helps you understand and remember the information later. This particularly works best when students review their text or readings/ Power Point slides prior to the lesson. Previewing allows you to identify main ideas and concepts that will be discussed during the teaching process.
Effective note-taking and maintenance of a neat notebook not only helps students with comprehension of concepts but motivates them to want to open their books and study. If students have effectively taken notes of crucial information when topics are covered in class, they can use these very notes to revise for their quizzes, CATs and exams. Note-taking provides several benefits beyond that record of what was presented in a class.
Effective note-taking:
• Keeps you alert. Note-taking keeps your body active and involved and helps you avoid feelings of drowsiness or distraction.
• Engages your mind. Listening carefully and deciding what to include in notes keeps your mind actively involved with what you hear.
• Emphasises and organises information. As you take notes, you’ll decide on and highlight the key ideas you hear, identifying the structure of a class presentation. You’ll also be able to indicate the supporting points of a presentation, making study and understanding easier after class. Such organised notes also make it easier for you to link classroom learning to textbook readings.
• Creates a condensed record for study. A set of concise, well-organised notes from each class session gives you what you need for study, learning, and review after class.
(Source: Ms. Rayan Moubarak – Grade 8 Teacher)
