The Benefits of Note-Taking from a Young Age
by Cassandra Chapman
In the digital age, it is more important than ever for our students to value traditional note-taking. By traditional, I mean using a paper and pencil, but digital notes can be helpful too. Note-taking is an essential skill that students need to continue to develop as they progress academically.
In January, Brain Power held note-taking labs at three of our campuses for students in Grades 3-6. In these labs, students learned the Cornell Method of Note-taking, developed by Dr. Walter Pauk, which includes the following steps:
i) Divide your paper into three sections: notes, cues (left margin), and summary (bottom of the page).
ii) Take detailed notes during a lecture (for example), and after the session, write keywords and questions that directly address your notes.
iii) From there, summarize your notes at the bottom of the page.
We might associate note-taking with high school and university, but there are numerous benefits to learning how to take notes at a younger age. Here are five of the main benefits of note-taking that the students learned about in our labs.
Better focus and attention
Note-taking allows students to focus better and pay closer attention to what is being taught.
Why? Your mind is more active and engaged with the material when you are writing it down. This means that it is less likely that your mind will wander, and you will stay focused on what the instructor is saying.
Stronger sense of understanding and retention of material
Writing down the material helps students to understand and retain (remember) the information.
Why? One’s mind is getting a second chance to learn by writing down the information and processing it in one’s own individual way.
Excellent reference tool
The notes that you take are valuable for studying. You can also refer to them when you do your homework.
Why? One has already done the work of writing down essential information. On a test or homework assignment, one can mentally refer back to the notes one took. Thus, the notes serve as a great study tool and mental refresher of what was taught.
Stronger organization skills
Notes help students organize information in a logical way. Taking notes during a class or session will help students organize the information as it is being presented to them.
Why? The class has been structured in a particular order. Taking notes in that order can help students see the big picture and the details as they relate back to that big picture. You can review the notes to ensure that you have grasped the concepts as intended.
Development of strong critical thinking skills
Notes allow students to develop critical thinking skills and apply those skills to their learning.
Why? As one is writing down notes, questions can pop up. A strong note-taker will write down those questions as they come up and build those inquisitive and critical thinking skills that are so important to academic development.
The Cornell Method can be used in any subject to increase attention, help retain information, and build critical thinking skills. We encourage all students to try this method for their academic development. Give yourself an added challenge and try doing so on paper, instead of digitally.
Happy note-taking! |
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