Notetaking, as easy as 3*2*1*1
In middle school, high school, and college – each class, each day requires students to take notes. If you are in a class that you think is boring, frustrating, or dull then being engaged enough can be that much more tasking. OR, if you’ve never really learned how to jot down class notes, then you will have a hard time even figuring out where to begin.
These reasons coupled with the frustration expressed by my students led me to create the 3*2*1*1 notetaking method. If this is followed daily with each class taken, then students are more likely to be engaged with what is being learned, able to recall more of their lessons at a later date, have better notes for later review, and feel more mentally prepared for upcoming papers, quizzes, and tests.
–
- -
–3 – write down 3 problems, examples, mini topics, or interesting points from class
3 things that were taught. Each of these should be at least six words; and are directly related to the subject, the text, or lecture from the teacher.
(Ex. William Shakespeare’s play, The Tempest, last play written. Weird monster character in it. Teacher gave out parts to read in play.)
- – 2- write down 2 comments, questions, or answers to questions that you gave in class
This part is extra important when you know you receive points for participation in class
(Ex. I asked if David Bowie was the first person to ever bring theatrics to musical performances. Told teacher that there is no exact date for Shakespeare’s birth)
– 1- one point that he would like clarification on
Something that didn’t quite make perfect sense; and by knowing it, it would make the learning that much easier, clearer, or more interesting
Doesn’t necessarily mean you have to ask an instructor the answer, could be a friend, family member, or colleaguge.
(Ex. confused on why people don’t know who Shakespeare is.)
- – 1 – the one big thing that you would take out of the lesson for that day.
This should be three words or less. It would be the answer to, “So how was area studies today?”
(Ex. David Bowie is cool. We read The Tempest).
If you have specific notes or guidelines that your instructor wants you to follow, then obviously do so. If that is the case, you can skip the “3″ component and continue with the rest. Also, this strategy does not include taking chapter textbook notes. There is another format, that will be discussed later on, that goes best with that type of structure.