Re: What kind of notes do you give and how do you give them?
Posted by: Michael on 6/30/09
Greetings All,
How art thou?
First off, I am not trying to start an argument, just trying to see the
thought processes on the other side. I like this site, I learn a lot from
others, but when it gets nasty, it makes me wonder.
Note-taking has to be teacher-centered. Unless it's the students who are
choosing the material that is important enough to copy down, but I rarely see
that.
Is note-taking a skill? Sure. Is it a skill that demands the students
practice it every month, week, day? Doubt it. I think we have all seen the
scale that shows direct instruction or note taking statistically produces the
lowest results in terms of comprehension.
When I first started teaching, 10 years ago, I had several ELL kids who were
fantastic note takers, some of the best in the class. But when I asked them
what they learned from their notes, they never had an answer more than a
regurgitation of my own words.
As for teaching to the test, I agree, if my principal/supervisor says raise
the test scores, then yes, I guess I will have to lecture from time to time.
However, I would never publicly proclaim that it is the best, or even a good
way to regularly spend class time.
I guess what I am trying to say is that note-taking is typically boring,
invites little input from students, and seems more like an easy way for the
teacher to stay in control and get the kids to behave. How can that possibly
be better than methodology that is challenging, collaborative, and inspires
critical thinking.
I'll say it again, hopefully it will work, but I am simply just trying to have
a rational conversation. But part of me feels like I am poking a stick in a
bees' nest.
