Note-Taking Made Simple: Strategies That Stick for Middle Schoolers
Middle school students typically like to write EVERYTHING down when taking notes. This is due to inexperience. Coaching students on what is important and worthy of writing down is the key to success. Equipping them with a variety of note taking strategies and methods will help them retain information and excel with all content, giving them improved study habits for future assessments.
Mastering Note-Taking Strategies Early On
- Students who stay organized with their notes will be more prepared for studying. Creating good study skills in middle school will lead to success in high school and beyond. Start fresh each day and each class with a clean sheet of paper, new Word or Google doc, or notebook page. Include the date at the top. As notes are taken, students should leave space between topics for easier scanning during studying or to add additional notes.
- To avoid overwriting, teach your student the importance of recognizing the main idea of the content. Once this is known, students can break this main topic into smaller topics.
- Use bullet points and do not write in full sentences. Students can paraphrase what they hear or read which includes using abbreviations.
- Students who are visual learners will benefit from using pictures. Include color within the notes to enhance the organization and stimulate their visual memory, allowing it to remember specific details easier.
Note-Taking Methods
Encourage students to try the following note-taking methods to see which one works best for them. It’s important to remember their learning style to find the one that best suits their needs.
1. Cornell Method: This method is ideal for notetaking in class. Divide your paper into 4 sections: one block at the top of the page, two columns, and one block at the bottom of the page. Add a title in the top block. Any notes from the lesson go in the right column. Use the left column for questions or key words. Write a summary in the bottom block. These are helpful for summarizing large topics which assist in efficient studying.
2. Outline Method: Looking for a structured method that is easy to create? The outline method is used to write the main point on the left of the page, indent when adding supporting details and repeat. These are helpful for planning presentations or research.
3. Mapping Method: The Mapping Method uses a drawing technique, starting with a circle with the main topic in the middle of the paper, then branching off into subtopic circles. Off each subtopic circle, students add details/facts related to the topic. This method allows for quicker note taking and the ability to study them using more of a student’s memory of the topic.
4. Charting Method: This method splits the document or paper into columns and rows. Think of it like a spreadsheet. This visually puts topics into categories and shows the relationship to the subtopics, making it easier to memorize facts.
The Long-Term Payoff of Note-Taking Skills
Students will feel more organized in class when they master these note-taking strategies. They also will be more productive when reviewing and studying. It is a value add for them to use these methods now and in the future, giving them better time management and a strong foundation academically.