Note-taking skills are invaluable in the classroom, whether at a traditional or virtual school. Taking notes effectively helps students sift through a large amount of information, determine what is important, and organize it into clear and easy-to-review chunks.
By mastering effective note-taking methods, students can focus on what they are trying to learn, remember what they have read, and successfully study for exams.
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How to Take Notes in Virtual School in 5 Easy Steps
1. Write down key facts
If their teacher repeats certain information or tells them flat-out that something is significant, have them write it down. If the teacher writes key points of their lectures on the screen or a board of some kind, these should be copied down as well. Examples of things to write down are:
- Mathematical and scientific formulas
- Sample problems
- Key names, places, and dates
- Vocabulary words and definitions
- Theories or opinions
- Literary symbols, themes, characters, and plot points
2. Paraphrase information
There is something about writing ideas down in your own words that helps reinforce meaning. It can increase the adoption of new vocabulary and can help your student with subject comprehension. When it comes to paraphrasing, make sure they:
- Don’t worry about writing in complete sentences
- Know that fragments and abbreviations are okay—as long as they can recall what they stand for
3. Find Effective Note-Taking Methods
Note-taking methods vary widely. They can also vary on the strategy (paper or digital) in which the notes are being taking down on. Here is a quick breakdown of note-taking strategies based on your student’s grade level.
Once they’ve picked a strategy for taking notes, they can decide if they would like to implement a note-taking method as well.
4. Keep your notes organized—your way
For all K-12 students, a key component of note-taking is staying organized. Here are some organizational tips for students on how to find those pesky notes at the right time.
5. Ensure Notes are Correct and Clear
Once your student has finished taking notes after reading, attending an online class, or from an online class discussion, have them go back and make sure their notes are accurate and understandable.
- As they read assignments, have them compare their class notes to their reading materials. They can add to their notes as they read to expand on certain topics.
- Remind them to pay attention to headers, bold, or italicized words.
- Help them focus on studying illustrations and photos.
- Make sure they focus on the first and last sentences of paragraphs. Typically, a mini-“thesis” (main point) is placed in those areas of a paragraph.
- If they have any questions on the reading material, have your student write them in the margins of their notes.
- Then they can go look for the answers within their school materials
- Or they can ask their teacher, Learning Coach, or virtual school classmates for help in filling any holes in their notes.
Learning to take good notes and studying them will help your virtual school student be successful.
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