Moving from Note-Taking to Note-Making

It was a truly rewarding experience to connect with colleagues from various parts of the country this week. On Wednesday, we had the privilege of having our Edvative team conduct a workshop focused on Student Engagement Strategies, specifically designed for educators from the Hawaii State Distance Learning Program.

Our colleagues in Hawaii, like many educators, face the ongoing challenge of engaging students in an online learning environment. However, their situation is unique, as they are also grappling with the aftermath of a natural disaster that has significantly disrupted their educational framework. This dual challenge adds a layer of complexity to their efforts in maintaining student engagement. Working alongside such dedicated professionals has been an absolute honor.

In line with our commitment to sharing knowledge and best practices, we are eager to extend the insights gained from this collaboration to other educators across the country who might be seeking effective student engagement strategies. One key strategy we explored was the transition from traditional Note-Taking to the more interactive and impactful practice of Note-Making.

Note-Taking vs. Note-Making

Note-taking has long been a staple in classrooms. It typically involves students passively recording information presented by the teacher. This approach, while useful for preserving information, often limits students to being mere recipients of knowledge. The primary focus here is on the replication of facts and ideas, with less emphasis on the learner's engagement with the material.

However, in today’s classrooms where information is abundantly accessible, the concept of note-making becomes more important.

Note-making is an active learning strategy that encourages students to engage with the content on a deeper level. It involves analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating the information being learned. This process empowers students to construct their understanding by making the learning experience more meaningful and personal.

Benefits of Note-Making

• Note-making challenges students to not just record what they hear or read, but to think about its significance. They learn to draw connections, question assumptions, and reflect on their understanding.

• In note-making, the focus shifts from memorizing information to understanding concepts. This deepens learning and aids in the retention of knowledge.

• Every student has a unique perspective and learning style. Note-making allows them to process information in a way that makes sense to them, making learning more personalized and effective.

Anne-Laure Le Cunff identifies three key principles to making good notes, which she calls the 3R framework of note-making:

1. Rephrase: Convert the original idea into your own words. This not only aids in understanding but also avoids unintentional plagiarism.

2. Relate: Connect various ideas. Linking concepts helps in forming robust networks in our minds, enhancing recall and understanding.

3. Revisit: Notes should be dynamic. Regularly updating them with new examples, questions, and ideas keeps them relevant and aids in long-term retention.

Innovative Note-Making Methods for the Modern Learner

Given the unique nature of every student's learning process, there's no universal method for note-making. However, some popular methods align well with Cunff’s 3R framework include:

Mind mapping is a powerful tool for visual learners. It involves creating a diagram that radiates outwards from a central concept. Key ideas branch out into subtopics and details, forming a web of related concepts. This method is particularly effective in enhancing memory and creativity. It encourages students to make conceptual connections, see the bigger picture, and develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Mind maps can be created using paper and pen or digital tools, providing flexibility and catering to individual preferences.

Digital Gardening is a modern, tech-oriented approach to note-making. It involves creating a personal digital space, akin to a garden, where students can 'plant' their ideas, 'grow' their knowledge, and 'prune' or refine their understanding over time. This method is similar to building a personal wiki where knowledge is interconnected, dynamic, and continuously evolving. It encourages students to engage actively with their learning, revisit and update their understanding, and connect new insights with prior knowledge. Digital Gardening not only aids in the organization of information but also fosters a sense of ownership and personal connection to the learning material.

The Zettelkasten Method is a sophisticated system of note-making, best suited for learners who thrive on organization and interconnected thinking. It involves writing notes on individual index cards (or digital equivalents) and assigning each a unique identifier. These notes are then linked together based on thematic or conceptual connections, creating a vast network of interrelated ideas. This method was famously used by the German sociologist Dr. Niklas Luhmann, who credited it for his prolific academic work. The Zettelkasten method not only enhances understanding and memory recall but also fosters the development of critical thinking and complex idea synthesis.

Sketchnoting, or visual note-taking, combines traditional note-taking with visual elements like drawings, symbols, and diagrams. It's particularly effective for students who are visual or kinesthetic learners. Sketchnoting makes the process of note-making more engaging and memorable by allowing students to represent information in a visually appealing and easily digestible format. This method can help in simplifying complex information, making abstract concepts more concrete, and enhancing memory retention.

Each of these methods aligns with the 3R framework by encouraging students to Record information actively, Reflect on their understanding, and Recapture knowledge in a way that deepens their learning. By offering a variety of note-making strategies, teachers can cater to the diverse learning needs of their students and foster an environment where each learner can thrive and develop their full potential.